World Cup 2026: Black Stars eye historic last-16 return as Ghana face Colombia test

It will be a make-or-break encounter in Kansas City for the Black Stars of Ghana as they come up against Colombia on Friday evening for a place in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

After successfully progressing from Group L, which had Panama, England and Croatia, Carlos Queiroz’s charges now turn their attention to Los Cafeteros in a knockout clash.

The Black Stars finished third in Group L with one win, one draw, and one loss against Panama, England, and Croatia, with Ghana’s two goals coming from Caleb Yirenkyi and Derrick Luckassen. They have conceded two across three matches. Ghana opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama, showed resilience in a 0-0 draw with England, and succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Croatia in the final group game.

Ghana showed resilience in the group stage, maintaining an effective defensive structure and flashes of attacking promise. Now, the Black Stars must replicate this when they come up against Colombia.

Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Antoine Semenyo, and Lawrence Ati-Zigi are all fit and available for selection. However, defender Kojo Oppong Peprah has been ruled out of the game. The competition for places remains high, with Queiroz set to name a strong side after Thursday’s training session.

Colombia topped Group K ahead of Portugal, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan, with a reputation for trademark flair, blistering pace on the flanks, and a physical, technical midfield. Led by head coach Néstor Lorenzo, Los Cafeteros are seasoned at this stage and boast a core of players competing in La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League. Their quick transitions, overlapping full-backs, and set-piece threat will test Ghana’s organisation and concentration.

Key Battles to Watch

Midfield Duel: Ghana’s double pivot vs Colombia’s creative midfield. Winning second balls will be decisive.

Wide Areas: Semenyo and the Black Stars’ wingers must track Colombia’s dangerous wide men while still offering an outlet.

Set Pieces: With both sides strong in the air, dead-ball situations could settle it.

Speaking before departure from Providence, Coach Queiroz indicated the side’s focus: “The group stage is done. In knockout football, details decide everything. We respect Colombia, but we believe in our quality and our preparation. The players know what is at stake.”

The winner advances to face the winner of the match between Switzerland and Algeria in the Round of 16. For Ghana, victory would mark the country’s first appearance in the last 16 since South Africa 2010, and a chance to reignite the spirit of that famous run.

This match is scheduled for Kansas City Stadium on Friday, 3 July 2026, at 8:30 p.m. ET (1:30 a.m. Ghana Time – Saturday).