Colombia squeak past Ghana; Argentina and Egypt escape World Cup scares | OneFootball

And here you have the final 16 teams. Thank you and good night! We will see you tomorrow for more.

Look away Ghana fans.

FULL-TIME: Colombia 1-0 Ghana

The South Americans squeak by even with six minutes of extra time for the African side to find the equalizer, as we've seen so many times at the World Cup already.

But now we're cheering again as Luis Diaz is taken off.

The whistles are starting to come out now as we approach 90 minutes.

ANOTHER CHANCE!

A blistering effort that is dipping in toward the near post from Quintero, and it's literally a foot away from 2-0.

CHANCE!

Zigi is the player keeping Ghana in this match. Another reactive save after an awkward header.

Now a big sub for Ghana. Jordan Ayew is off the pitch and hands over the armband. Both captains off for either side.

Things getting chippy here with some yellows coming out.

Colombia's goalscorer Arias is off for Juan Fernando Quintero.

Meanwhile, Ghana swapped Kwasi Sibo for Elisha Owusu and Iñaki Williams for Abdul Fatawu.

Back at the hydration break. Final frames coming up.

We're approaching the final 30 minutes here. Or not, a lot of games in the 2026 edition are going to extra-time.

GOAL RULED OUT!

Kansas City erupts as Luis Diaz finally gets his goal, but the score reverts back to 1-0 for Colombia as he's rightfully ruled offside. He then missed a second wide-open attempt one minute later.

SAVE!

Gustavo Puerta trying to recreate what Cabo Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral did against Argentina. Long curler, however, is pushed away by Zigi.

Here's a look at how good the Manchester City man was during the opening 45 minutes.

CHANCE!

It's Semenyo again with a creative option for Ghana. Out wide left, he evades his maker and fizzes the ball across the face of the goal, but nobody can turn it home.

Not a stat the African side will want to read: Ghana are yet to register a shot on target in any first half of the 2026 World Cup.

Just look at the scenes in here!

Here's a reminder of what he can do on the big stage ... but now it's up to someone else to step up for the South American side.

And the major headline heading into the restart is the massive decision for Colombia to remove James Rodriguez.

SECOND-HALF UNDERWAY!

Not much to separate the two. Can Ghana get back in this? Or will Colombia survive?

HALF-TIME - Colombia 1-0 Ghana

That opening 45 flew by, and it's one-way traffic. All Colombia as they carry a marginal lead into the second half.

WHAT A SAVE!

It's a cross from the right by Daniel Munoz going all the way to find Johan Mojica whose header is just shy of finding the net. That's because goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi comes up with a massive stop.

We have six minutes of added time here

Semenyo really trying to pull Ghana back into this, but he's virtually on his own.

Here's a look at the missed effort from Bayern's man.

Warning shot!

Luis Diaz receives a ball over the top on the left side of the box and hoofs it into the side netting.

If you've been following along all tournament, there are only three African nations still left. Egypt and Morocco both play in the Round of 16. Can Ghana join them?

Amounted to nothing so we're still sitting at 1-0 here for the South Americans.

Inaki Williams is trying to get involved here as he links up with Antoine Semenyo. They can't create much, but Ghana have a corner.

Colombia have completed 227 compared to just 45 for Ghana, if that summarizes things for anyone not watching live.

Back underway now

This one is for the stat nerds (us).

Hydration break here. And we need it after that thrilling start!

Here's a look at the man behind the opener.

📸 Carl Recine - 2026 Getty Images

Interesting little stat after all this early drama...

For the first time in World Cup history, a match has had two substitutions occur in the first 13 minutes.

GOAL! 14' - Colombia 1-0 Ghana

Kansas City erupts! After early nerves due to injuries, it's Jhon Arias with the opener as he's left unmarked at the back post and finishes cooly into the bottom right.

Funny enough, it was the injury substitute Suarez who assisted him.

And now it's a double blow! This time for Ghana. Marvin Senaya is forced off in defence, and he limps off the pitch.

It's Luis Suarez who comes on to replace him in the attacking line.

Ugh oh a massive scare for Colombia here. No. 9 Jhon Córdoba is forced off after only six minutes after pulling up with a groin issue.

To be inside the stadium right now would be a dream, and you'd likely need your earplugs.

KICK OFF!

And we're underway between Colombia and Ghana for the final match of the day, with a shot almost immediately from Thomas Partey!

Another shout-out for Vozinha!

And here is how both teams line up. Who do you have coming out on top?

It's Colombia against Ghana next for a spot in the Round of 16. Buckle up.

Look who we have next.

And we're not done just yet!

FULL-TIME, ARGENTINA 3-2 CABO VERDE! WHAT A GAME!

It was simply one of the most remarkable games of football you will ever see. Reigning world champions Argentina were taken to the very last kick of the game by the African nation.

I don't think we will see another game that dramatic this summer. That is what is football is all about.

Corner for Cabo Verde here in stoppage time. We've got at least two minutes left to play!

Cabo Verde are still pushing here! Argentina are under plenty of pressure in the dying moments.

Through all the chaos, it's another record for the great man.

Surely Cabo Verde can't find a third equaliser...right?

GOAL ARGENTINA! THEY RETAKE THE LEAD!

The party atmosphere is back in Miami as Argentina snatch the lead on a set-piece. A Messi corner is nodded in by Cristian Romero to put the holders back on top!

Into the final 10 minutes and a penalty shootout currently looms. Cabo Verde have given a great account of themselves in the extra-time session, you can hardly tell there is such a gap between the two teams on paper.

And breathe, we've reached the half-time break in extra-time. 15 minutes left in a game that could turn out to be the biggest upset in World Cup history.

Another Vozinha save on Messi!

GOAL CABO VERDE! THEY'VE PULLED LEVEL ONCE AGAIN!

Would you believe that!? An absolute stunner from Sidny Lopes Cabral has pulled the minnows level in extra-time! You may never see scenes like this ever again. Wow!

Corner for Cabo Verde as they look to respond! There is still plenty of time left in this match.

GOAL ARGENTINA!

Lisandro Martínez has potentially broken Cabo Verde hearts after a recycled set-piece ends up at his feet, and he fired a lethal shot into the roof of the net to give the reigning champs the lead in extra-time.

The ball is rolling and we are underway in extra-time.

WE'RE HEADED TO EXTRA-TIME!

Cabo Verde hold in the dying minutes of regulation and we will head to a 30 minute session of extra-time. Wow, what a story unfolding in Miami. Can the little African nation pull off the unthinkable?

Messi goes low but Vozinha saves! We nearly had one of *those* Messi moments.

Free-kick for Messi on the edge of the box...

We're into eight minutes of second-half stoppage time.

No penalty! The ball came off of the head of the Cabo Verde defender before hitting his arm. Close call!

The Argentina players are asking for a handball after the ball was dropped into a crowded box. The referee is having a look at this now...

Almost an own-goal for Cabo Verde!

The ball was fired across the goalmouth and Cabo Verde's Roberto Lopes stuck out a foot before the ball flew narrowly wide of the post! Almost a disaster, but in the end a fantastic clearance.

Huge save Vozinha!

Messi caught the Cabo Verde keeper napping and tried to take a quick free-kick, but Vozinha recovered in a flash to make the save.

We're just about to reach the hydration break in this second half as Argentina look to reclaim their lead. Cabo Verde have hardly touched the ball since pulling level.

There are tears in the crowd from the Cabo Verde fans and we have ourselves a potential historic moment on our hands...

GOAL CABO VERDE! WHAT A MOMENT!

Absolute scenes in Miami as Cabo Verde stun Argentina and pull level here in the second half.

They have grown into the game and they get their reward as Deroy Duarte slotted home the equaliser from a tight angle!

Chance Cabo Verde!

The ball fell to Deroy Duarte on the edge of the Argentina box, and his low, driven effort forced Emi Martínez into a diving save.

The few chances Cabo Verde have had tonight have come from set-pieces, and they've earned to corners in the opening minutes of the half.

The teams are back out and we are underway in the second half!

HALF-TIME, ARGENTINA 1-0 CABO VERDE

A Leo Messi strike is the difference between the two teams. Cabo Verde have struggled to create any meaningful chances, but they will have to open up in the second interval in search of a leveler.

Just GOAT things...

GOAL ARGENTINA, GOAL MESSI!

It was simply inevitable. Argentina have snatched the lead just before the half-hour mark after collecting a ball over the top and delivering a vintage quality finish into the roof of the net.

Vozinha has now pulled off not one, but two Cruyff turns in his own box. The man is becoming a living legend!

Chance for Messi!

It took some time but Argentina finally get a look at goal, and it fell to Messi, who scuffed his effort from a tight angle.

We've settled into a pattern of Argentina possession, but that is no surprise. Cabo Verde have proven themselves to be a very difficult team to break down throughout this tournament.

Another day, another record for the great one.

It's been a scrappy opening five minutes. Cabo Verde have seen a little spell of possession go their way as they try and find their footing in a hostile atmosphere.

It's no surprise, but the entire stadium is seemingly occupied by Argentina fans. This game feels like it is being played in Buenos Aires, not Miami.

The ball is rolling in Miami, here we go!

The teams are out for the anthems and we are just about ready to get underway...

Time to turn our attention to Miami where Lionel Messi and Argentina take on upstarts Cabo Verde!

A bold choice in extra time...

A very emotional Mo Salah post-match...

Immense courage from the Australian youngster...

Egypt are history makers!

Egypt to win it...

Hossam Abdelmaguid SCORES!

2-4

Australia...

Teenager Lucas Herrington strikes the bar!

2-3

Egypt up next...

Mohamed Salah dinks the goalkeeper but SCORES.

2-3

Australia...

Awer Mabil SCORES

2-2

Egypt's go...

Ramy Rabia finds the net!

1-2

Australia...

Jackson Irvine sends the goalkeeper the wrong way and SCORES.

1-1

Egypt up next...

Mahmoud Saber SCORES with a powerful penalty.

0-1

Australia up first...

Harry Souttar skies it!

0-0

FT in ET: Australia 1-1 Egypt

We head to penalties...

Last chance?

Australia win a free kick in a crossable position. Awer Mabil goes for goal but his effort is blocked.

Australia 1-1 Egypt

Egypt still on top...

Will be wondering how they haven't scored! Less than seven minutes to go...

Australia 1-1 Egypt

HT in ET: Australia 1-1 Egypt

Egypt on top...

Just as they ended the second half, Egypt look the likeliest to score at the moment. They may regret not capitalising on this pressure, though...

Australia 1-1 Egypt

KICK OFF!

The first half of extra-time is underway.

FT: Australia 1-1 Egypt

Into extra-time we go...

SAVE!

Egypt denied a certain winner by Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach. Ramy Rabia's header punched away.

Australia 1-1 Egypt

Into added time...

Five additional minutes to be played at the end of the second half.

Australia 1-1 Egypt

An interesting stat after Hany's own goal...

Back underway...

Will we see a late twist or are we headed for extra-time? Let's find out!

Hydration break...

The second of the game.

How Australia levelled the scoreline!

GOAL! AUSTRALIA LEVEL!

Much like Egypt's goal in the first half, a free-kick from the same position causes havoc, but this time in Australia's favour.

Mohamed Hany heads in an own goal.

Australia 1-1 Egypt

Injury concern...

A brief moment of panic for Egypt as Mohamed Hany deals with a dangerous Australia cross. He appeared to be out cold for a second and the stretcher was brought on, but he's back up on his feet.

It remains to be seen whether the doctors have a decision to make.

Australia 0-1 Egypt

CHANCE!

Seconds after the restart, Egypt close to another goal. Omar Marmoush is through and should find the net but his effort is just wide.

Australia 0-1 Egypt

KICK OFF!

Back underway between Australia and Egypt.

HT: Australia 0-1 Egypt

CHANCE!

Cristian Volpato attempts to find the net with a curling effort. Drifts just wide. He's certainly been Australia's most threatening player!

Australia 0-1 Egypt

Into added time...

Five extra minutes to be played at the end of the first half.

Nearly 40 minutes gone...

Despite a strong start, Australia find themselves behind against Egypt. They've had a handful of chances to equalise, but yet to capitalise.

Australia 0-1 Egypt

At it again!

BREAK!

Pause in play for a hydration break.

WIDE!

Mostafa Ziko is played through one v one and is close to doubling Egypt's lead. His effort flies narrowly wide but the flag is eventually raised for offside, so it would've been ruled out anyway!

Australia 0-1 Egypt

GOAL! EGYPT!

Mostafa Ziko wins a free-kick to the left of the box for Egypt. Mohamed Salah flicks it on Emam Ashour, whose initial effort is blocked. Eventually it's crossed back in and he heads Egypt in front.

Australia 0-1 Egypt

CHANCE!

Australia's Cristian Volpato is able to take a touch and get a shot away. His effort from range strikes the bar.

Australia 0-0 Egypt

KICK OFF!

Underway between Egypt and Australia.

Will there be more late drama today?

In some non-World Cup news, former Australia head coach Ange Postecoglou is back in management. He's taken over at Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

The XIs are in for the opener, with Mohamed Salah fit enough to start for Egypt and Australia unchanged from their draw with Paraguay.

This is what we have to look forward to today. Who will advance? Let us know your predictions in the comments!

Welcome to Friday's coverage of the final Round of 32 action from the World Cup with three fixtures taking place.