Arias Sends Colombia Past Ghana and Into World Cup Last 16

Colombia’s Luis Suarez vies with Ghana’s Derrick Luckassen during their 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match in Kansas City on July 3, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) KANSAS CITY, Missouri: Jhon Arias scored in the 14th minute as Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 on Friday to reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting up a knockout match against Switzerland in Vancouver. Arias turned in a cross from substitute Luis Suárez after Colombia forward Jhon Córdoba was forced off with an apparent groin injury early in the match. The goal proved enough for Colombia, who protected their lead with a disciplined defensive display and kept Ghana from finding a way back into the game. Colombia, who topped Group K after matches against Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo, continued their unbeaten run in the tournament. Néstor Lorenzo’s side controlled long spells of the contest in Kansas City and created the clearer chances, while Ghana struggled to turn possession into meaningful attacking pressure. Luis Díaz thought he had doubled Colombia’s lead in the second half after finishing from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made several important saves to keep the Black Stars in the match, including late stops as Colombia pushed for a second goal. Ghana pressed in the closing stages but could not break through Colombia’s back line. According to match reports, Ghana finished without a shot on target, underlining Colombia’s defensive organization on a night when they were required to protect a narrow advantage for more than 75 minutes. After the match, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said Colombia had been the stronger side. He said his team tried to move forward and create opportunities but lacked quality in the final pass and final service. “The best team won,” Queiroz said. Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo praised his team’s defensive response, saying he valued the way his players managed the match after missing chances to extend the lead. He said Córdoba was the main injury concern after the game and would need further medical assessment. The result sends Colombia to Vancouver, where they will face Switzerland on Tuesday for a place in the quarterfinals. Switzerland reached the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Algeria, with Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scoring in that Round of 32 match. Colombia’s win also completed the final Round of 32 fixture and added another South American team to the last 16. Argentina also advanced on Friday after a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, while Brazil and Paraguay remain in contention. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the first edition of the men’s tournament to feature 48 teams. The expanded format added a Round of 32, increasing the number of knockout matches and giving more teams a route into the later stages of the competition. The post Arias Sends Colombia Past Ghana and Into World Cup Last 16 appeared first on Khaama Press.