By Simon Asare
Accra, July 2, GNA – Ghana will seek to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive when they face Colombia in a Round of 32 clash at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2026 (1:30 a.m. GMT).
The Black Stars advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group L behind England and Croatia, while Colombia topped Group K ahead of Portugal.
The meeting at Kansas Stadium would be the first-ever encounter between the two nations, with the winners set to face either Switzerland or Algeria in the Round of 16.
Carlos Queiroz’s side opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama before producing a resilient goalless draw against England.
A 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group match was not enough to deny them a place among the best third-placed finishers.
The Black Stars have shown defensive discipline throughout the tournament, conceding only twice in the group stage.
Caleb Yirenkyi and Derrick Luckassen have been Ghana’s goalscorers so far, while the team earned praise for containing England’s attack in one of the standout defensive performances of the group phase.
Colombia, meanwhile, have impressed during the tournament, collecting seven points from their three matches to finish top of Group K. Nestor Lorenzo’s men began with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan before edging DR Congo 1-0. A goalless draw against Portugal in their final group match secured top spot and underlined their credentials as potential contenders.
The South Americans have conceded only one goal in the competition and boast a squad packed with experience from Europe’s top leagues.
Their attacking threat is expected to be led by Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez and Luis Suarez, while their pace on the flanks and strength in midfield have been key features of their campaign.
Colombia reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup and advanced to the round of 16 in 2018 before missing out on qualification for the 2022 tournament.
Their return to the global stage has been impressive and they enter the tie as favourites.
With both teams eyeing a place among the last 16, Friday’s contest promises an intriguing battle between Colombia’s attacking flair and Ghana’s resilience and organisation.
For Ghana, victory would mark another memorable chapter in the nation’s World Cup history and move them a step closer to emulating their famous 2010 quarter-final run.
Team News
Ghana coach Queiroz has received a major boost ahead of the game, with Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Antoine Semenyo and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi all declared fit and available for selection.
Jordan Ayew is expected to spearhead Ghana’s attack as he seeks to add to his 34 international goals, while Semenyo’s availability offers another attacking option despite recent fitness concerns.
Colombia have not reported any injury concerns ahead of this match, so coach Néstor Lorenzo would have the full complement of his team.
As a result, there are unlikely to be any surprises when it comes to their starting side, with Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez set to feature as the front three.
Ghana possible starting lineup: Asare (GK); Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Sulemana, Partey, Yirenkyi, Sibo, Semenyo; Ayew
Colombia possible starting lineup: Vargas (GK); Munoz, Lucumi, Sanchez, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma, Arias; Rodriguez, Suarez, Diaz
Kick off Time: 1:30 a.m. GMT (Saturday).
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare