Group L delivered plenty of late drama as England secured top spot with a comfortable victory over Panama, while Croatia booked the second automatic qualification place by defeating Ghana 2-1.
The decisive goal for Zlatko Dalic's side arrived less than ten minutes from full time, sending the Croatians into a Round of 32 meeting with Portugal.
England Get the Job Done
England completed the group stage unbeaten, although Panama frustrated Thomas Tuchel's side for more than an hour.
Despite dominating possession throughout the opening period, the Three Lions struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. In fact, Panama came closest before halftime when Jose Luis Rodriguez escaped behind the defense, only to be denied by an excellent Jordan Pickford save.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 67th minute.
Jude Bellingham rose highest from a corner to break the deadlock, and only five minutes later he turned provider, setting up Harry Kane for England's second goal of the evening.
The strike carried extra significance for the Bayern Munich forward, who became England's outright leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with his 11th tournament goal, moving ahead of Gary Lineker.
The 2-0 victory guaranteed England first place in Group L with seven points.
Croatia Leave It Late
While England's qualification was already secure, Croatia entered the evening knowing only a win would guarantee progress.
The first half produced few memorable moments, although Nikola Vlasic rattled the post and Croatia also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty following a challenge on Ante Budimir.
Their persistence paid off in the 31st minute when Petar Sucic tried his luck from distance. His effort took a crucial deflection off a Ghana defender and found the back of the net.
Ghana Fight Back, Croatia Respond Again
The match remained tense after the break before bursting into life during the closing stages.
Ghana thought they had earned a lifeline when Derrick Luckassen scored, with VAR confirming the equalizer after a lengthy review.
However, Croatia's response was immediate. Benjamin Asare initially produced a brilliant save to deny Mario Pasalic, but moments later Luka Modric delivered a dangerous corner that Nikola Vlasic powered home with a header via the post to restore Croatia's lead.
The late winner secured a 2-1 victory and confirmed Croatia's place in the knockout rounds.
- Check group standings
Group L Final Standings
England progress as group winners after collecting seven points from three matches.
Croatia finish second and will now prepare for a difficult Round of 32 clash against Portugal.
Ghana end the group stage in third place, while Panama leave the tournament without a point or a single goal, bringing a disappointing World Cup campaign to an early conclusion.