Colombia vs. Ghana Match Preview | OneFootball

The World Cup round of 32 has already delivered some crackers. This one has the makings of another fine fixture, despite the two teams only combining to score six goals in qualifying.

For Ghana, progression at this tournament is of great importance, considering they failed to qualify for the 2025 edition of AFCON. That was quite the setback for this once great national team, but there have been signs of improvement this summer.

After all, the African country successfully managed to navigate Group L. Additionally, while Colombia are a good side, they are not the most difficult opponent Ghana could be facing.

Still, Nestor Lorenzo’s team will feel they are strong favorites heading into this game. Their group stage performance was almost perfect, and they remain undefeated up to this point.

Colombia’s route to the knockouts

Regardless of the opposition, there is rarely an easy match at the World Cup. Colombia know this as well as any team, considering an early, yet brief, scare against Uzbekistan in Group K.

Daniel Muñoz handed his team the lead shortly before half-time, but the Uzbeks equalized on the hour-mark. However, the Colombians did not panic. Luis Díaz scored five minutes later, and Jaminton Campaz’s late stoppage time goal put the victory beyond doubt.

DR Congo did not make things easy either, despite Colombia dominating possession and most of the offensive statistics. It took a 76th minute strike from Daniel Muñoz to put the game away.

Finally, Colombia concluded their group campaign with a goalless draw against Portugal. Los Cafeteros were the better team on the day, so it was a shame for them to miss out on the victory. However, the final score was enough to see them finish top of their group.

Ghana’s route to the knockouts

While Colombia comfortably qualified for the last 32, Ghana’s pathway was full of obstacles which proved harder to overcome. Although in truth, their wayward form leading up to the World Cup will not have helped.

Indeed, Ghana failed to win six successive matches before the tournament got underway. Five of these were defeats, and their only draw came against Wales – who failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Having said this, they got off to a winning start against Panama thanks to a 95th minute winner scored by Caleb Yirenkyi. Had it not been for this goal, it is highly unlikely that Ghana would even have made it this far.

Their next result was important too in ensuring their progression to the last 32. England were unable to break down Ghana’s defense, and they were actually lucky to escape with a point. Prince Kwabena Adu looked to have been fouled by Ezri Konsa inside the penalty area, and had a spot kick been awarded, Ghana might have gone on to win the game.

More recently, Ghana suffered their worst result of the tournament, losing 2-1 to Croatia due to a late Nikola Vlasić goal. This result was not enough to knock them out, but it did see the European outfit move up to second place in the group.

What to expect

These two sides have never met before, but their displays up to this point should be able to provide at least a hint of what the match will play out. Despite one topping their group and the other finishing third, this should be a close encounter.

Colombia have done better on paper, but none of their results have delivered the wow factor which makes a defeat unthinkable. Everyone beat Uzbekistan. The victory against DR Congo was by extremely narrow margins.

This is not to take anything away from Colombia. It is simply an acknowledgement that they have not cruised to any overly comfortable wins as of yet. And Ghana are in a similar position, albeit with fewer successes.

None of Carlos Queiroz’s team’s performances have been breathtaking, but it is worth noting that they have looked strong at the back. Croatia may have broken them down, but both Panama and the Three Lions were kept at bay.

It is highly likely that Colombia will be on top throughout the match, dominating possession and landing more shots on target. However, Ghana will maintain their structure, with the aim of choosing their moments to get forward wisely.

If Colombia clinched it inside 90 minutes, it would not be a surprise, whereas it would be if Ghana came out on top. But once the match goes to extra time and potentially penalties, anything can happen.

Predicted Colombia XI

Vargas;Muñoz, Sanchez, Luchumi, Mojica;Puerta, Lerma, Arias;Rodriguez, Suárez, Díaz

Nestor Lorenzo made a couple of changes against Portugal, but he will be fielding a full strength lineup in a match which Colombia simply cannot afford to lose. Luis Suárez will lead the line, while right-back Daniel Muñoz will return as he searches for a third World Cup 2026 goal.

Predicted Ghana XI

Asare;Senaya, Adjetey, Luckassen, Mensah;Yirenki, Partey, Sibo;Semenyo, Ayew, Sulemana

Ghana have not changed too much around since the World Cup began, so it is likely that there will be few changes to their starting lineup, if any at all. Centre-back Derrick Luckassen will be looking to keep his spot after scoring against Croatia, and they will be hoping to see more in attack from the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew, neither of whom have scored yet.