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Colombia booked the final place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana in Kansas City on Friday, setting up a knockout clash against Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute as Colombia controlled possession and created numerous chances but failed to add to their lead against a Ghana side that struggled to threaten throughout the match.
The South Americans were forced into an early substitution after Jhon Cordoba appeared to suffer a groin injury, with Luis Suarez coming on in his place. Ghana also had to make an early change when Marvin Senaya was replaced by Alidu Seidu because of injury.
Colombia’s breakthrough came when Suarez showed determination down the right flank before delivering a cross that found an unmarked Arias, who calmly guided the ball into the net.
Ghana had started brightly, with Thomas Partey sending a shot just wide in the opening minute, but that proved to be their only notable attacking moment. The Black Stars failed to register a single shot on target for the entire match.
Colombia continued to dominate, producing fluent attacking football and creating several opportunities to extend their advantage. Luis Diaz missed a clear chance before halftime, while goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi kept Ghana in the contest with an excellent save to deny Johan Mojica’s header in first-half stoppage time.
Despite their dominance, Colombia remained wasteful after the break. Diaz had a goal ruled out for offside and later fired straight at Ati Zigi, while Juan Quintero also missed the target with a powerful late effort.
Ghana never found an answer to Colombia’s control of the game and were unable to test the Colombian goalkeeper, allowing Arias’ early strike to stand as the winner.
The victory sends Colombia into the last 16, where they will face Switzerland as they continue their quest for a deep run at the 2026 World Cup.
