Colombia edged Ghana 1-0 in a closely contested Round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a place in the Round of 16 with a disciplined and organised display.

The South Americans made an early adjustment in the eighth minute when Luis Suárez replaced Jhon Cordoba.

Colombia continued to press forward and created chances, although Jhon Arias was shown a yellow card in the 12th minute.

Ghana were also forced into an early change a minute later as Alidu Seidu came on for Mohammed Senaya.

Colombia took the lead in the 14th minute through Arias, who finished calmly after receiving a well-placed pass from Suarez.

The goal gave Colombia confidence as they controlled possession and dictated the pace of the game for much of the first half.

Ghana tried to respond with quick attacks but struggled to break through Colombia’s organised defence.

Colombia maintained their one-goal advantage heading into the break with a 1-0 lead.

At the start of the second half, Richard Rios replaced James Rodriguez as Colombia sought to maintain their intensity.

Ghana’s frustrations began to show as Christopher Yirenkyi received a yellow card in the 49th minute.

Colombia thought they had doubled their advantage in the second half, but the referee ruled out the goal following a VAR review, keeping Ghana in contention.

Seeking a way back into the match, Ghana introduced Issahaku Fatawu and Ernest Owusu in the 62nd minute.

However, the changes failed to produce the desired impact as Colombia remained compact and difficult to penetrate.

Fatawu was booked in the 66th minute, while Colombia made another substitution in the 73rd minute with Juan Quintero replacing goalscorer Arias.

Seidu was cautioned for Ghana in the 76th minute, and Rios also entered the referee’s book two minutes later.

Ghana made further changes in the 79th minute, bringing on Ernest Nuamah and Patrick Adu in a final attempt to find an equaliser, but Colombia held firm.

Johan Campaz replaced Luis Diaz in stoppage time as Colombia managed the closing stages professionally.

Despite Ghana’s late pressure, Colombia defended resolutely to preserve their slim advantage and seal a hard-fought victory.

The result sends the South Americans into the Round of 16, while Ghana bow out of the tournament after a determined performance.

The match was played at the Kansas City Stadium, U.S.

Colombia’s disciplined defending, combined with Arias’ early strike, proved decisive in a match where fine margins and a VAR decision played a significant role.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 officially commences on July 4, the knockout stage will run through July 7, with thrilling matches played across host cities in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.

(NAN)