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FIFA WC: When and where to watch Croatia vs Ghana, know all details

Philadelphia, June 27 (IANS) Croatia and Ghana head into their final Group L fixture on Saturday with qualification for the Round of 32 firmly within reach, making Philadelphia the stage for one of the group’s most important encounters.

After beginning their campaign with a defeat to England, Croatia responded in ideal fashion by edging Panama 1-0. The victory revived Zlatko Dalić’s side’s hopes, and another three points would guarantee their place in the knockout rounds. Even a draw could prove sufficient, depending on results elsewhere.

Ghana, meanwhile, have quietly put themselves in an excellent position. Carlos Queiroz’s men have collected four points from their opening two matches without conceding a goal, relying on defensive discipline rather than attacking flair. Their compact setup frustrated England before they secured a narrow win over Panama, leaving qualification almost within their grasp.

With both teams aware that avoiding defeat could be enough to progress, caution is expected to shape the contest. Croatia have vast tournament experience but no longer possess the attacking firepower that carried them to deep World Cup runs in recent years. Ghana, on the other hand, are unlikely to abandon the conservative approach that has served them so well.

While the stakes are high, the match may not produce a flood of chances. Croatia will look to dictate possession, whereas Ghana are expected to remain organised and difficult to break down in a contest where patience could ultimately outweigh ambition.

How to watch live in India:

Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Key details:

Date and kick-off time: Sunday, June 28, 02:30 AM (IST)

Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, USA

Referee: Drew Fischer

Squads:

Croatia –

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivor Pandur, Dominik Kotarski

Defenders: Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic, Martin Erlic

Midfielders: Nikola Moro, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Nikola Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic, Kristijan Jakic, Toni Fruk, Luka Sucic

Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Ivan Perisic, Igor Matanovic, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa

Ghana –

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang

Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah

Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu

Forwards: Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew

–IANS

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Formula 1: Pierre Gasly signs contract extension with Alpine

Monza, Sep 6 (IANS) Pierre Gasly has committed his long-term future to Alpine by signing a contract extension that will see him race for the French manufacturer until at least the end of the 2028 campaign.

The 29-year-old joined Alpine ahead of the 2023 season and has since scored two podiums while also playing a key role in helping the team secure sixth place in the Teams’ Championship last season.

“I’m thrilled to commit my long-term future to Alpine. As a Frenchman, especially, driving for a French car company, it makes me feel very proud. Since I joined in 2023, I have always felt that this team is the right place to be for the future,” Gasly said in a statement.

“Flavio’s support and belief in me, Francois’ commitment to the Formula 1 project, as well as the people we have in Enstone made this a natural decision and I want to be here in years to come and deliver on our joint objective: to win races and World Championships. We’re all in this together and I look forward to continuing this special story.”

Gasly’s previous contract wasn’t due to expire until the end of next season but both sides were keen to extend that deal by a further two years and so put pen to paper ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

Alpine Executive Advisor Briatore hailed Gasly’s efforts at Alpine so far. “Since I returned to the team, I have always stated how important it is to build and grow the competitiveness of BWT Alpine Formula One Team.

“We’re well prepared for the new era of Formula 1, beginning in 2026, and now we have our lead driver confirmed to bring us well into the future.

“Pierre has been an immense asset for the team during this challenging period. I have been very impressed with his attitude, dedication and talent and we look forward to continuing this project together for a long time,” said Briatore.

–IANS

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Dr Mandaviya attends Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ Meet, discusses Ahmedabad’s readiness to host 2030 CWG

Glasgow, July 22 (IANS) Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday attended the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (CSMM), where he talked about India’s growing stature in sports and reaffirmed the country’s readiness and Ahmedabad’s world-class preparations to host the historic, sustainable, and memorable 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.

Dr Mandaviya is in Glasgow as the leader of the Indian delegation that will observe the organisation of the 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games. He will be attending the various ceremonies during the Glasgow CWG and hold discussions with heads of delegations from other countries to build up momentum for India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics at Ahmedabad.

Dr Mandaviya gave details of his address at the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (CSMM) in a social media post on Wednesday.

“Delighted to attend the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (CSMM) in Glasgow. Had engaging discussions on shaping the future of sports across the Commonwealth,” he wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“During my intervention, I highlighted India’s remarkable sporting transformation under the visionary leadership of PM Shri

@narendramodi ji. I spoke about our robust governance reforms, strengthened anti-doping framework, and flagship initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India, and the ASMITA League, which are nurturing grassroots talent, empowering greater participation of women in sports, and fostering a vibrant sporting culture across the nation,” he wrote.

“Concluded by reaffirming India’s readiness and Ahmedabad’s world-class preparations to host the historic, sustainable, and memorable 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games,” the minister informed.

Earlier in the day, Dr Mandaviya met with the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, at an official reception in Glasgow ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games 2026, expressing optimism for both the upcoming Games in Scotland and India’s host role for the centennial edition in 2030.

During his visit to the Scottish city, Mandaviya praised the local host team for their warm hospitality as preparations finalise for the quadrennial multi-sport event.

“Attended the reception hosted by the First Minister of Scotland, Mr John Swinney. Grateful for the warm welcome by the team hosting the CWG 2026 in the beautiful city of Glasgow,” Mandaviya shared in a post on X.

The 10 sports being showcased at Glasgow 2026 are set to feature top global talent, including multiple Olympic and Paralympic champions, as well as reigning Commonwealth gold medallists, competing across the 11-day quadrennial event.

The sports minister also met with the president of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Rukare, and discussed the 100th anniversary of the Games, which will be held in India in 2030.

“Also had the pleasure of meeting the president of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Rukare. There is a lot of excitement in the Commonwealth community for the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games being hosted by India in 2030,” he added.

India officially awarded hosting rights for the historic 2030 centenary edition during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly held late last year, with the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, set to act as the primary host. It will mark the second time India hosts the sporting showpiece, following the 2010 edition in New Delhi.

–IANS

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