Colombia defeats Ghana and will face Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup
Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match and the Colombian team will face Switzerland for a place in the quarterfinals
The Colombian team secured its place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after beating Ghana 1-0 at the Kansas City stadium. A goal from Jhon Arias in the first minutes was enough for the team led by Néstor Lorenzo to maintain control of the match and seal their pass to the next phase.
The South American team resolved the match from the 14th minute, when Arias appeared inside the area to define with a powerful shot after a great assist and beat the African goalkeeper.
Jhon Córdoba's injury changed the start of the game
Before opening the scoring, Colombia suffered a setback with the departure due to injury of Jhon Córdoba just in the seventh minute. His place was taken by Luis Javier Suárez, who responded immediately by participating in the play that ended with Arias' goal.
From that moment on, the Colombian team controlled possession of the ball and limited Ghana's offensive options, which tried to react through counterattacks led by Iñaki Williams.
The VAR invalidated a second goal from Colombia
In the second half, the coffee team was close to extending the lead. Luis Díaz sent the ball into the back of the goal in the 55th minute, but the score was annulled for offside after the VAR review.
Despite the tight score, Colombia generated the clearest opportunities of the match. Lawrance Ati Zigi avoided a major difference with interventions against Luis Díaz, Johan Mojica and Davinson Sánchez.
“Let's go / Let's go Colombia / That tonight / We have to win,” was the chant that descended onto the field from the stands of the Kansas City stadium that was dyed yellow.
Colombia will face Switzerland for a place in the quarterfinals
With this result, the Colombian team will face Switzerland on July 7 at BC Place in Vancouver, where it will seek a ticket to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
Néstor Lorenzo's team reaches the next round backed by a defense that has shown solidity during the tournament, allowing just one goal in four games, in addition to maintaining a collective performance that makes it a serious rival for any team.
The victory also represents an important step for Colombia, which once again settles into the direct elimination phase and will seek to continue advancing in the highest international soccer competition.