Colombia Beat Ghana 1-0 to Complete 2026 World Cup Last-16 Lineup

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Colombia advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Ghana 1-0 in their Round of 32 clash at Kansas City Stadium on Friday, July 3, local time (Saturday, July 4 WIB).

Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute as Colombia secured victory in sweltering conditions, extending an unbeaten run that has quietly established Nestor Lorenzo's side as one of the tournament's potential dark horses. The result sets up a Round of 16 meeting with Switzerland on Tuesday, July 7, local time (Wednesday, July 8 WIB).

Colombia entered the knockout stage after topping Group K ahead of Portugal, having remained unbeaten against Portugal, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo during the group phase.

Arias Gives Colombia the Lead

As reported by FIFA, Ghana threatened first when Thomas Partey tested Colombia with a powerful long-range effort inside the opening two minutes, but the South Americans quickly settled into the match and took control of possession.

The decisive goal came after striker Jhon Cordoba was forced off with an apparent groin injury in the eighth minute. His replacement, Luis Suarez, made an immediate impact by breaking down the right flank before delivering a precise cross into the penalty area.

Arias, left unmarked at the far post, guided a first-time finish into the bottom corner to put Colombia ahead.

Colombia continued to create the better chances before halftime. Luis Diaz fired wide from inside the penalty area, while Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced an outstanding reaction save to keep out Johan Mojica's downward header.

Colombia Hold Firm to Reach Last 16

Diaz thought he had doubled Colombia's advantage in the 56th minute after converting Arias' cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Minutes later, the Liverpool winger squandered another opportunity when he shot directly at Ati-Zigi from close range.

Despite the narrow scoreline, Colombia remained comfortable throughout the second half. Lorenzo's disciplined defense denied Ghana any shots on target, ensuring Arias' early strike proved enough to seal the victory.

The win sends Colombia into the Round of 16, where they will face Switzerland in Vancouver for a place in the quarter-finals. The South American side will be looking to equal or surpass its best-ever World Cup finish after reaching the quarter-finals at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Read: 2026 World Cup Round of 16: Full Fixtures and Kickoff Times

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