- Full Time
- J. Campaz on for L. Díaz90'
- 79'P. Adu on for C. Yirenkyi
- 79'E. Nuamah on for J. Ayew
- R. Ríos78'
- 76'A. Seidu
- J. Quintero on for J. Arias73'
- 66'A. Fatawu
- 62'E. Owusu on for K. Sibo
- 62'A. Fatawu on for I. Williams
- 49'C. Yirenkyi
- R. Ríos on for J. Rodríguez46'
- Half Time
- J. Arias14'
- 13'A. Seidu on for M. Senaya
- J. Arias12'
- L. Suárez on for J. Córdoba8'
- Kick Off
-
1
Jhon Arias1
- 1Luis Díaz5
- 2Richard Ríos3
- 3
Antoine Semenyo3
- 1Luis Suárez3
- 2Daniel Muñoz2
- 3Marvin Senaya1
- 1Luis Suárez1
- 1Juan Fernando Quintero5
- 2Gustavo Puerta2
- 3Jhon Lucumí1
- 1Jhon Lucumí78
- 2Davinson Sánchez71
- 3Jefferson Lerma62
- 1Davinson Sánchez2
- 2Antoine Semenyo2
- 3Richard Ríos1
- 1Jhon Lucumí1
- 2Daniel Muñoz1
- 3Davinson Sánchez1
Colombia booked their place in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 after edging past Ghana 1-0 in a hard-fought contest in Kansas City on Friday night.
The South Americans made the perfect start, taking the lead after just 14 minutes through Jhon Arias. The winger met an inviting cross from Luis Suárez, who had been introduced early after Jhon Córdoba was forced off injured, and guided his finish beyond the Ghana goalkeeper to hand Néstor Lorenzo’s side a deserved advantage.
Colombia dominated much of the first half, controlling possession and creating the clearer opportunities as Ghana struggled to settle. Luis Díaz was a constant threat down the left and thought he had doubled the lead before the interval, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. Despite the narrow scoreline, Colombia looked comfortable throughout and rarely allowed the Black Stars to build any sustained attacking momentum.
Ghana, playing in their first World Cup knockout match since 2010, found it difficult to break down a disciplined Colombian defence. Missing key attacking inspiration, they failed to register a shot on target and were limited to speculative efforts from distance, with Colombia’s back line expertly marshalled by Jefferson Lerma and Davinson Sánchez.
As the second half wore on, Colombia continued to threaten on the counter-attack but were unable to add a second goal. Nevertheless, they never looked in serious danger of surrendering their lead, professionally managing the closing stages to secure a place in the last 16.
The victory extends Colombia’s impressive unbeaten run at the tournament and sets up an enticing Round of 16 clash with Switzerland. For Ghana, meanwhile, the defeat brings their World Cup campaign to an end after a spirited tournament, although Carlos Queiroz’s side will reflect on missed opportunities after struggling to impose themselves against one of South America’s most accomplished teams
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