World Cup 2026: Ghana to Face Colombia in Confirmed Round of 32 Clash, Avoids Portugal
- Ghana finished third in Group L on four points after beating Panama, drawing with England and losing to Croatia
- The Black Stars will now take on Group K winners Colombia, who are unbeaten after three group matches
- While Ghana avoided a showdown with Ronaldo's Portugal, they now face a Colombian side that has scored four goals during the group stage
Ghana will take on Colombia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the knockout tie scheduled for July 4 in Kansas City after the conclusion of the group stage.
The fixture sets up a high-stakes battle as both sides compete for a place in the Round of 16.
Source: Getty Images
How Ghana and Colombia reached World Cup R32
The Black Stars finished third in Group L after collecting four points from three matches, defeating Panama 1-0, drawing goalless with England and falling 2-1 to Croatia in their final fixture.
That tally was sufficient to advance Ghana as one of the best third-placed teams across the tournament.
Colombia, meanwhile, topped Group K with seven points from three games. Los Cafeteros began with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, followed by a 1-0 win against DR Congo, before playing out a goalless draw with Portugal in their final group match.
The result confirmed them as group winners and means Ghana avoided a potential encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
Ghana discovers knockout stage opponent and path
Colombia presents a formidable challenge for Carlos Queiroz's charges.
According to ESPN, the South Americans conceded just one goal throughout the group stage while scoring four, underscoring the defensive solidity and attacking efficiency that have characterised their campaign so far.
Their overall head-to-head record against African nations is also telling.
Colombia have won three, drawn one and lost only once against African opponents, that sole defeat coming against Cameroon at the 1990 tournament after extra time.
Should Ghana progress past Colombia, the Black Stars could face either Switzerland or Algeria in the Round of 16, according to Squawka.
Further advancement would then set up a potential clash against one of Argentina, Cabo Verde, Australia or Egypt.
Source: Getty Images
Is Partey eligible for Ghana vs Colombia match?
For many Ghanaians, the country's progression to the knockout stage also comes with concern over Thomas Partey’s availability, after he was denied entry to Canada due to ongoing legal issues in the United Kingdom.
The former Arsenal midfielder missed Ghana’s opening game against Panama, prompting uncertainty over where the Round of 32 fixture would be staged.
Fortunately for the Black Stars, their third-place finish ensures the match will be played in the United States – in Kansas – making Partey eligible to feature against Colombia.
However, should Ghana progress, he could miss the Round of 16 tie, which is scheduled to take place in Vancouver, Canada.
How much will Ghana earn for reaching R32?
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghana’s progression to the Round of 32 comes with a major financial boost, as FIFA provides $2.5 million in preparation funding and an additional $11 million for reaching the knockout stage.
This brings the Black Stars’ total earnings from the tournament to $13.5 million.
Source: YEN.com.gh
