Colombia became the final nation to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after edging past Ghana in a hard-fought knockout encounter. The victory also marked only the second World Cup knockout triumph in the history of the South American side.

Los Cafeteros controlled much of the contest and created several promising opportunities, but ultimately required just one decisive moment to secure progression. That breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute when Luis Suárez delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area. Left completely unmarked by the Ghanaian defence, Jhon Arias calmly guided his finish into the net to score what proved to be the match-winning goal.

The win sends Colombia into the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where they will face Switzerland. The winners of that tie will advance to a quarter-final against either Argentina or Egypt.

World Cup 2026

Colombia - Ghana 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Arias J., 14 (1:0)

Colombia: Vargas C.; Muñoz D.; Lucumí; Mojica; Davinson Sanchez; Puerta; Lerma; Luis Díaz (Campaz, 90); Arias J. (Quintero Ju., 73); Cordoba J. (Suárez L.J., 8); Rodríguez J. (Ríos, 46)
Substitution: Suárez L.J. (from 8); Ríos (from 46); Quintero Ju. (from 73); Campaz (from 90)
Bench: Ospina; Montero Á.; Arias S.; Mina; Machado D.; Castaño; Portilla; Carrascal; Gomez A.; Cucho
Yellow Cards: Arias J. 12; Ríos 78

Ghana: Ati-Zigi; Mensah G.; Opoku J.; Luckassen D.; Senaya (Seidu A., 13); Partey T.; Yirenkyi (Kwabena Prince, 79); Sibo (Owusu E., 62); Jordan Ayew (Nuamah, 79); Semenyo; Inaki Williams (Fatawu, 62)
Substitution: Seidu A. (from 13); Owusu E. (from 62); Fatawu (from 62); Nuamah (from 79); Kwabena Prince (from 79)
Bench: Anang; Asare; Adjetey; Mumin; Rahman Baba; Oppong; Bonsu Baah; Boakye; Sulemana К.; Thomas-Asante
Yellow Cards: Yirenkyi 49; Fatawu 66; Seidu A. 76