World Cup 2026: Colombia completes the Round of 16 field with a 1-0 win over Ghana

KANSAS CITY — Colombia earned just its second knockout-round win in World Cup history with a 1-0 victory over Ghana on Friday night to conclude the Round of 32.

Jhon Arias found himself wide open at the back post for a cross that he slotted home past Ghana's Lawrence Ati-Zigi as the keeper dove the other way in the 14th minute.

The goal proved to be enough against a Ghana team that made it to the knockout rounds by playing an incredibly defensive style of soccer. Ghana scored twice in the group stage and shut out both Panama and England as it finished third in Group L.

The low block employed by manager Carlos Queiroz can be incredibly effective — England was frustrated as it tried to break Ghana down in its 0-0 draw. However, the strategy can get blown up by an early goal.

And Ghana simply wasn't sharp enough in attack to find the equalizer Friday night. Winger Antoine Semenyo was dangerous at times, but there wasn't much support. The few times when Ghana did throw a dangerous cross across the face of goal, there was no one nearby.

Colombia was the more threatening team in the second half, even as Ghana tried to attack more. Luis Diaz had a fine sliding finish that briefly appeared to give Colombia a 2-0 lead, but he was offside as the pass was sent his direction. Just minutes later, Diaz had another fine chance to officially add a second goal to Colombia's lead, but his shot was saved by Ati-Zigi.

Colombia's previous knockout-round win came in 2014

Before Friday night, Colombia's lone win in the World Cup's knockout rounds came just over six years go when it beat Uruguay 2-0 in the Round of 16.

James Rodríguez scored both of Colombia's goals in that game before Colombia was knocked out of the tournament by Brazil in the quarterfinals.

At 34, Rodríguez is now the captain of this Colombia squad, even if he isn't a player who stays on the field for all 90 minutes any longer. Rodríguez was taken off at halftime on Friday night, and had been subbed off early in all three of Colombia's group stage games.

This win sets up a game against Switzerland, after the Swiss took down Algeria late Thursday night. And if Colombia gets past Switzerland, a South American power could be again looming in the quarterfinals.

After escaping with a 3-2 win over Cape Verde on Friday afternoon, Argentina will be a heavy favorite against Egypt in the Round of 16. Wins by both Colombia and Argentina will set up a quarterfinal back in Kansas City on July 11.

Argentina, of course, is looking to be the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. And Colombia has been a relative thorn in Argentina's side in recent years.

The teams have played seven competitive matches over the past eight years. Colombia has won two of those games and earned draws in two others. Two of Argentina's three wins needed extra time or penalty kicks, too.

In 2024, Argentina and Colombia played to a scoreless draw in regulation of the Copa América final before Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in extra time. Two months later, Colombia beat Argentina 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier.

The Round of 16 matchups

Colombia's win capped the first-ever Round of 32 in the World Cup after the tournament expanded to 48 teams for 2026. Now, just 16 remain from four continents.

Saturday, Canada plays Morocco to start the Round of 16 before Paraguay meets France after upsetting Germany. On Sunday, Brazil and Norway face off before England plays Mexico in Mexico City.

Monday, Portugal takes on Spain and the United States looks to win two knockout-round games in the same World Cup for the first time ever against Belgium. On Tuesday, the round concludes with Argentina vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Switzerland.