
10 days · 2 summary articles
Colombia edge Ghana as last team into Round of 16 with narrow win
Colombia edge past DR Congo to reach World Cup last 32
Colombia secured the final spot in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Ghana in a tense 1/16-final clash at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Friday night . Jhon Arias struck the decisive goal in the 14th minute, capitalising on a sharp cross from Luis Suárez, as Colombia became the last team to advance to the knockout stages following a dominant but nervy performance against a toothless Ghana side.
The South Americans controlled the game from the outset, but Ghana’s defence, marshalled by former Portugal goalkeeper Iñaki Williams, frustrated every Colombian attack. Ghana registered zero shots on target throughout the 90 minutes, a statistic that underscored their complete lack of attacking threat . Colombia, by contrast, created numerous chances, with Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez coming closest to doubling the lead, only for Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to produce a series of crucial saves.
The match’s defining moment arrived when Arias, who had earlier been booked for a reckless foul, pounced on Suárez’s cross to head Colombia into the lead. The goal, though controversial due to Arias’s earlier misdemeanour, proved decisive. Ghana’s protests over a potential offside call went unheeded, and their late attempts to salvage a draw amounted to little more than hopeful long-range efforts that failed to trouble Colombia’s defence.
Colombia’s progression means they will face Switzerland in the Round of 16 in a clash that promises to test their tournament credentials further . The Swiss, who defeated Algeria 1-0 in their previous match, will provide a sterner test than Ghana, whose campaign ends in disappointment. Colombia’s coach, Néstor Lorenzo, will now look to tighten his team’s defensive organisation and improve their finishing ahead of the next challenge.
For Ghana, the defeat marks the end of a tournament that began with high hopes but ended in frustration. Their inability to create clear chances against even a disciplined Colombian side raises questions about their attacking potency. As for Colombia, their narrow but hard-fought win has only strengthened their reputation as one of the tournament’s most unpredictable and dangerous teams.
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