Ivan Perišić Joins Elite Company Against Ghana, Standing Alongside Maradona

Ivan Perišić has entered an elite club of footballing legends with his 20th World Cup appearance, a milestone achieved against Ghana in a crucial Group L match for the 2026 tournament. Remarkably, Perišić has started every single one of these 20 World Cup matches, a feat that places him in exclusive company.

This impressive streak sees Perišić rank fourth among outfield players in World Cup history for consecutive starts. He now stands alongside football icons like Diego Maradona and Uwe Seeler, who both recorded 21 starts, and trails only Paolo Maldini, who has 23. Perišić's achievement underscores his enduring importance and consistent performance for the Croatian national team over multiple tournaments.

The match against Ghana in Philadelphia is pivotal for Croatia's advancement in the 2026 World Cup. With Ghana currently leading Group L, Croatia must secure a victory to have a strong chance of progressing. Coach Zlatko Dalić acknowledged the significance of the game, emphasizing the team's focus on their opponent's strengths and their own game plan, while also hinting at potential tactical adjustments during the match.

Perišić, born in Split in 1989, has been a key player for Croatia since his debut in 2011. His versatility, ability to play on the wing, and occasional roles in midfield and defense have made him indispensable. He was a vital part of the generation that reached the World Cup final in 2018 and secured third place in 2022. His club career has seen him play for prominent European teams like Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich, where he also won the Champions League.

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We know how important the match is. The opponent is very good. We believe in what we do.