Ghana forward Inaki Williams has revealed that he is determined to score his first goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the Black Stars take on Croatia in their decisive final Group L match.
The Athletic Club striker missed Ghana’s opening group-stage victory over Panama but returned to the starting lineup for the highly anticipated clash against England. Although he worked tirelessly to lead the attack and contributed defensively, the forward was unable to find the back of the net as the Black Stars earned a hard-fought goalless draw against one of the tournament favourites.
With Ghana now preparing for what is expected to be their biggest match of the group stage, Williams is hoping to make a decisive contribution in the final third. The experienced attacker admitted that opening his scoring account at the World Cup would be a special personal achievement, but stressed that securing qualification for the knockout stage remains far more important than individual success.
“I hope to score against Croatia, but the most important thing is the three points,” Williams told SuperSport.
Ghana Eye Knockout Stage Qualification
The Black Stars head into Saturday’s encounter in a strong position after collecting four points from their opening two matches. Ghana began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama before producing one of the most disciplined defensive performances of the tournament to hold England to a goalless draw.
Those results have left Ghana in contention to finish at the top of Group L. A victory over Croatia would guarantee qualification for the Round of 32 and could also see the Black Stars progress as group winners, depending on the outcome of the other match involving England and Panama.
The draw against England demonstrated Ghana’s growing confidence under head coach Carlos Queiroz. His side frustrated England throughout the contest with a disciplined defensive display while also creating dangerous counter-attacking opportunities that nearly produced a winning goal.
Williams Ready to Deliver in Attack
Williams is expected to play a key role once again as Ghana look to break down Croatia’s defence. The 32-year-old has become one of the Black Stars’ most experienced attacking players and offers pace, strength and relentless work rate across the front line.
Although he has yet to score at this year’s tournament, his movement and pressing have been important to Ghana’s overall performances. Against England, he constantly stretched the opposition defence and helped create space for teammates while also tracking back to support the team defensively whenever required.
The forward will be eager to convert his hard work into goals when Ghana face Croatia, knowing that a decisive strike could send the Black Stars into the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Croatia Face Must-Win Situation
While Ghana need only a positive result to remain in control of their qualification hopes, Croatia enter the contest under greater pressure. The Europeans revived their campaign with an important victory over Panama after opening the tournament with defeat to England.
That result means Croatia must beat Ghana to guarantee their place in the Round of 32. Anything less could see their World Cup campaign come to an early end, depending on results elsewhere in the group.
The stakes are therefore extremely high for both teams, with qualification and possibly top spot in Group L still up for grabs.
Black Stars Focused on Finishing the Job
Despite Ghana’s encouraging start to the tournament, the players and coaching staff have repeatedly insisted that their work is not yet complete. Queiroz has reminded his squad that earning four points means little unless they finish the group stage strongly against Croatia.
Williams echoed that mentality by placing the team’s objectives ahead of his own ambitions. While he would love to celebrate his first goal of the tournament, the Athletic Club striker made it clear that securing three points and helping Ghana reach the knockout stages remains the ultimate target.
The Group L encounter between Ghana and Croatia is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, with kickoff set for 21:00 GMT. Victory would not only secure Ghana’s place in the Round of 32 but could also see the Black Stars finish as group winners, providing another major statement in what has already been an impressive World Cup campaign.
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