COLOMBIA booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over Ghana, with Jhon Arias scoring the only goal in a match largely controlled by the South American side at the Stadium Kansas City.
The result sets up a knockout meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday, as Colombia continued their strong run in the competition.
Ghana began brightly, coming close in the opening minute when Thomas Partey narrowly missed the target, but the effort proved to be their only meaningful attempt of the match as they struggled to impose themselves thereafter.
Colombia were forced into an early change when striker Jhon Córdoba went off injured with a groin problem and was replaced by Luis Suárez.
Shortly afterwards, Ghana also suffered a setback when Marvin Senaya was forced off, with Alidu Seidu coming on in his place.
The decisive moment came in the 14th minute when Suárez, newly introduced, delivered a cross from the right which Arias converted from close range to give Colombia a deserved lead.
“Colombia opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Suarez who was just brought on delivered a cross from the right side before Arias easily slotted the ball in without pressure.”
The goal left Ghana with a difficult task, particularly given their struggles in front of goal throughout the tournament, having scored only twice in the group stage.
Backed by a strong travelling support in Kansas City, Colombia continued to dictate play with fluid attacking moves but were unable to extend their advantage despite sustained pressure.
Luis Díaz, representing Bayern Munich at club level, went closest in the 39th minute but sent his effort wide, while Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi produced a sharp save to deny a Johan Mojica header before the interval.
Statistics at half-time reflected Colombia’s dominance, with Ghana failing to register a single shot on target and completing fewer passes than their opponents.
After the break, Colombia continued to create chances but were wasteful in front of goal. Díaz briefly found the net only for the effort to be ruled out for offside, before another attempt was comfortably saved by Ati Zigi.
Juan Quintero also came close late on, but his effort drifted narrowly wide as Colombia failed to add a second goal.
However, one goal proved sufficient as Colombia held firm to secure victory, with Ghana finishing the match without a single shot on target. -July 4, 2026
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