Ghana and Croatia fans in Philadelphia celebrate heritage ahead of World Cup match

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Two diasporas that rarely find themselves in the global spotlight will take center stage this weekend as Ghana and Croatia meet in a World Cup match hosted in Philadelphia.

For many fans, the event represents far more than the action on the field - it is a chance to reconnect with their homelands and their communities.

Steve Rukavina, who leads the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation in Washington, D.C., said watching his home country play in his hometown will be a powerful moment.

"It will be surreal," he said.

Rukavina said he was thrilled when Philadelphia was selected as a host city.

"So, it was very exciting that Philadelphia, first of all, won a spot over like Washington, D.C., Chicago and some other cities," he said.

As an organizer of numerous World Cup events for Croatian fans, including appearances by members of Croatia's 1998 bronze medal team, Rukavina noted the pride many feel in the country's achievements.

While just over 1,000 Croatian Americans live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest Croatian American populations in the country.

"This little country, now of 3.9 million, took second in the world in 1998, lost to France. And we won the bronze in 2022," he said. "And so we hope they place again and, you know, have to win a few matches in that first round. So, I get asked a lot, 'How can this little country be so good at sports?'"

He added that Croatians have a term meaning "fierce competitor," which he spoke in Croatian during the interview.

Lauren Swartz of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia said Croatia's success is remarkable.

"They only gained independence, you know, a few decades ago. It seems unlikely that a country with such a small population would continue to pump out such incredible players," she said.

She noted this year marks "their seventh World Cup overall, and their fourth straight appearance."

Croatia will face Ghana, a team returning to the World Cup with determination after reaching the quarterfinals in 2010 before losing to Uruguay on penalties.

"It was a big moment for us. We eventually lost penalties to Uruguay, so watch out this year," a fan said.

At Mama Shan's restaurant in North Philadelphia, Lana Adeniyi said soccer is deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture.

"The first time I played soccer was with my dad, my uncles, his brothers and everyone in the community. So it's ingrained in a very young age," she said.

Philadelphia has strong ties to Ghana through its vibrant West African diaspora, particularly in West and Southwest Philadelphia. Their culture is showcased each year during the Odunde Festival.

As anticipation builds, many say the match represents something larger than sport.

"For the African community here, it's much bigger than soccer," Adeniyi said. "For us to see ourselves represented on the World Cup on one of the biggest stages, especially the fact that it's here in America, it means a lot."

The match will bring together two proud communities - and two nations - on one pitch, competing for more than bragging rights.