Colombia and Ghana open knockout stage with last-16 spot at stake in Kansas City
Colombia and Ghana meet at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for the final round-of-32 match of the 2026 World Cup, with a place in the last 16 on the line.
Group stage paths
Colombia reached the knockout phase as Group K winners, unbeaten after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, a 1-0 win against DR Congo and a goalless draw with Portugal. Néstor Lorenzo's side kept two clean sheets and can record three consecutive World Cup shutouts for the first time if they hold Ghana scoreless. Ghana advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from Group L, beating Panama 1-0, drawing 0-0 with England and losing 2-1 to Croatia.
Tactical contrast
The South Americans have built their campaign on possession and passing volume, registering 519, 541 and 544 passes in their three group matches while holding at least 54% possession each time. Ghana, by contrast, averaged 36.1% possession and rely on a compact defensive block and rapid transitions. Against Croatia they won 53% of duels and completed 91% of their passes, underlining their efficiency without the ball.
- vs Uzbekistan
- 519 passes
- vs DR Congo
- 541 passes
- vs Portugal
- 544 passes
Key figures
Daniel Muñoz has scored two of Colombia's four tournament goals from right-back. Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez carry the creative burden, with Rodríguez one start away from equalling Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón's national record for World Cup appearances. For Ghana, Abdul Fatawu has created more chances (2) and completed more dribbles (4) than any teammate despite playing only 101 minutes. Defender Derrick Luckassen scored the goal against Croatia and recorded 86 interventions in that match.
Early action
Ghana threatened inside the first minute when Thomas Partey struck a long-range effort after a poor clearance by James Rodríguez, forcing a nervous moment for the Colombian defence. The match is the first ever meeting between the two nations.
What they said
If I didn't include them among the candidates until now, I do now. They have a very high level, fantastic footballers, of a very high physical and technical level. Just look at the forward line they have; it's a great national team.
The Spain coach was referring to Colombia, who beat his side in a 2024 friendly in London.
Historical edge
Colombia have won four of their five World Cup matches against African opponents. Ghana have lost all three of their World Cup encounters with South American sides. Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz previously led Colombia between 2019 and 2020, departing after heavy defeats to Uruguay and Ecuador.
