Colombia eye last-16 place against Ghana challenge

• Colombia face Ghana in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in Kansas City
• Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez are expected to spearhead Colombia’s attack
• Ghana will look to Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew to inspire an upset
• Colombia are favourites, with most predictions backing a narrow victory

Colombia and Ghana meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Friday, July 3, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with a place in the last 16 at stake. While Colombia have impressed throughout the tournament with their balanced attacking play and defensive solidity, Ghana arrive hoping to spring another World Cup surprise.

Predicted Lineups

Colombia (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta; Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez (C); Luis Díaz

Ghana (4-3-3): Benjamin Asare; Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey (C), Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo; Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo

Team News

Colombia have no major injury concerns ahead of the knockout clash and are expected to field a settled lineup. Captain James Rodríguez continues to dictate the tempo from midfield, while Luis Díaz remains the team’s biggest attacking weapon after another productive group-stage campaign. Right-back Daniel Muñoz has also been one of Colombia’s standout performers, contributing at both ends of the pitch with his overlapping runs and attacking output.

Ghana, meanwhile, are expected to stick with the disciplined defensive structure that helped them reach the knockout rounds. Head coach Carlos Queiroz is likely to rely on Thomas Partey’s experience in midfield, while Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana provide the primary attacking threat. Forward Antoine Semenyo has been carrying a minor ankle concern but is widely expected to be fit enough to start, while defender Jerome Opoku has returned to contention after recovering from injury.

Match Prediction

Colombia enter the contest as deserved favourites after producing one of the tournament’s most consistent performances during the group stage. Their midfield control through James Rodríguez and Jefferson Lerma, combined with the pace and creativity of Luis Díaz, should allow them to dominate possession and create the better chances.

Ghana are expected to defend in a compact low block before looking to counter through Sulemana’s speed and Ayew’s movement. Thomas Partey’s battle against James Rodríguez in midfield could prove pivotal, while Ghana will also need to contain Muñoz’s forward runs down the right flank.

Most analysts expect a tight, low-scoring contest. Colombia’s superior technical quality and greater attacking depth should eventually prove decisive, although Ghana’s physicality and defensive organization could keep the game competitive deep into the second half.

Prediction: Colombia 2-0 Ghana