Croatia reached the last 32 with a 2-1 win against already-qualified Ghana, while Harry Kane became England's record scorer at World Cups in a 2-0 victory over Panama as they topped Group L on Saturday.
Nikola Vlašić headed in Croatia's winner from a corner on 83 minutes, meaning Croatia leapfrogged Ghana into second spot to secure a meeting with the second-placed team from Group K in Toronto on Thursday.
Ghana finished third and now have a more difficult route through the knock-outs.
Petar Sučić had rifled in from outside the box with a daisy cutter on the half hour for 2018 runners-up Croatia. Derrick Luckassen equalized after tapping in a free-kick for Ghana on 73 minutes and the goal stood after a long video review.
Jude Bellingham was England's saviour after another dour first half, flicking in a corner on 62 and then providing the cross for a Kane header on 67.
The England captain moved on to 11 World Cup goals, one more than previous Three Lions record holder Gary Lineker.
Thomas Tuchel's men next face a third-placed team from another group in Atlanta on Wednesday.
