FIFA WC: Unbeaten Colombia seal final last-16 spot with 1-0 win over Ghana
Kansas City, July 4
Colombia extended their unbeaten run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to four matches as they dispatched Ghana 1-0 at the Kansas city Stadium to seal the final spot of the Round of 16.
Having finished top of Group K ahead of Portugal, Nestor Lorenzo's team were too strong for the Black Stars, with Jhon Arias's first-half strike enough to seal the win. The Colombians will face Switzerland, a team that comes into the match after defeating Algeria 2-0.
Colombia took to the field with a clear attacking intent and, taking advantage of their speed on the wings, began to create danger against the African defense . Their persistence paid off in the 14th minute when Jhon Arias capitalised on an assist from Luis Javier Suarez to open the scoring. In the second half, they maintained control, managed possession of the ball and continued to trouble the opposing defense with constant attacks into the penalty area.
Lorenzo's side return to action on July 8 in Vancouver, where they will battle Switzerland for a place in the quarter-finals.
Ghana's Thomas Partey went close with a powerful long-range effort inside two minutes, but La Sele - roared on by a sea of Colombian supporters - soon seized the initiative. Suarez, on for the injured Jhon Cordoba, burst clear down the right before squaring into the penalty area, where Arias caressed a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Ghana were a touch fortunate not to be even further behind at the break, as Luis Diaz fired wide from inside the box and Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced a brilliant reaction save to claw away Johan Mojica's downward header.
Diaz had the ball in the net in the 56th minute, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside after he stretched to convert Arias's cross. Moments later the Colombia forward fired straight at Ati-Zigi from an unmarked position inside the penalty area.
One goal proved enough, though, as the Colombians kept it tight at the back and prevented Ghana from registering any shots on target.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a neutral fan, this was a solid match! Colombia's discipline in defense is so impressive—they didn't even let Ghana get a shot on target. That Suarez-to-Arias combination was pure class. Looking forward to seeing them vs Switzerland.
Good match but I'm a bit disappointed with Ghana's attack. They had a lot of possession in midfield but the final ball was missing. Thomas Partey tried his best but couldn't inspire the team. Colombia deserved the win, though. On to the next round! 🇨🇴
That offside call on Diaz was so tight—marginal decisions like that really change games. But credit to Colombia for staying composed and not letting that frustrate them. They're building momentum at the right time. Watch out Switzerland!
I love how Colombia plays with such joy and freedom! That Arias goal was a beauty—smooth finish under pressure. While I'm happy for them, I wish Ghana had shown more attacking intent. Football in Africa has so much potential but needs better tactical discipline. 🇮🇳⚽
Solid performance from Colombia but honestly, this wasn't their best. They could have scored 3-4 goals and made it comfortable. Ghana's goalkeeper Ati-Zigi kept them in the match with that save from Mojica. Still, unbeaten in four matches is impressive.
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