Colombia will go toe-to-toe with Ghana in the 2026 Fifa World Cup round of 32 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, USA, on Saturday, with both sides eyeing a spot in the last 16.
Kick-off is at 3:30 am CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Los Cafeteros are in a confident mood after topping group H with two wins and a draw, including a disciplined 0-0 draw against Portugal in their final group game on 28 June.
As a technically gifted side known for their high pressing, quick transitions, and a never-say-die spirit, Colombia advanced as group winners and head into the round of 32 ready to fight for a place in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Ghana finished second in group G after a gritty campaign, recording one win, one draw and one defeat, which came in their last game, a 2-1 loss to Croatia on 27 June.
The Black Stars will bring their physical intensity, pace on the break, and experienced leadership as they aim to reach the Round of 16 and possibly advance to the quarterfinals for the second time since 2010.
TEAM NEWS
Colombia have a full-strength squad, having rotated slightly for the Portugal game but keeping most key players since they had already secured their place in the knockout phase.
James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz are fully fit and expected to lead Los Cafeteros' creative and attacking threat.
Ghana, on the other hand, are sweating on the fitness of key midfielder Thomas Partey after he picked up a muscular issue in the group stage, but the midfielder is likely to feature.
Antoine Semenyo is expected to shoulder much of the creative burden, with Jordan Ayew fully fit to lead the attack.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo
“Ghana is a very dangerous team," Lorenzo said ahead of their clash with the Black Stars.
"They have physical strength, speed on the counter-attack and great experience in knockout football. We respect them a lot, but we are focused on our own strengths. We want to impose our style and take the game to them.”
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz
“Colombia are a very good team with technical quality and dangerous players like James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz," Queiroz said as they prepare to face Los Cafeteros.
"But we are ready. We have our own strengths – physicality, organisation and spirit. This is knockout football. We will fight and try to make history.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Luis Díaz, Colombia: The Bayern Munich winger stood out in the group stage with his explosive dribbling, direct runs, one goal and one assist, consistently stretching opposition defences and creating chaos on the left wing.
He will look to unsettle Ghana with his blistering pace on the counter and ability to beat full-backs 1v1, forcing the Black Stars to sit deeper and opening spaces for other Colombian attackers.
Antoine Semenyo, Ghana: The Manchester City forward tends to use his blistering pace, direct dribbling and physical presence to create threats on the counter.
He will look to cause havoc against Colombia with his ability to run in behind, win duels and link with Jordan Ayew, forcing Colombia’s defence to stay compact and creating openings on the break.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Colombia and Ghana have never met before — not in official matches and not even in friendlies.
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