Colombia booked the final place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a hard fought 1-0 win over Ghana on Saturday.
Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute as the South Americans completed the knockout line up. They will now face Switzerland in the last 16 in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Colombia made a bright start and took the lead through a well worked move. Arias calmly guided the ball home from close range after a neat attacking move to put his side in front.
Luis Diaz thought he had doubled the advantage in the second half after finishing another flowing move. But the goal was ruled out for offside.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Colombia controlled most of the game. They created the better chances and kept Ghana under pressure throughout.
Ghana struggled to trouble the Colombian defence and failed to register a single shot on target. Their best attacking players could not find a way through as Colombia stayed organised at the back.
Juan Fernando Quintero came off the bench late in the game and almost added a second goal with a powerful effort that went just wide. Davinson Sanchez also came close with a header that forced goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi into a save.
Ghana pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Colombia managed the game well and denied their opponents any clear chances.
The final whistle confirmed Colombia’s place in the Round of 16, where they will meet Switzerland as they continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
