SAT, jULY 4, AT 7:00 aM
Kansas City, July 2: Group winners Colombia will look to continue their impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they take on Ghana in the Round of 32 on Friday, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
The winner of the knockout clash will advance to face either Switzerland or Algeria, while a potential quarter-final showdown against defending champions Argentina could also await later in the tournament.Colombia head into the contest as favourites after an unbeaten group-stage campaign that saw them top Group K ahead of Portugal, one of the pre-tournament title contenders.Néstor Lorenzo’s side began their World Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan before edging DR Congo 1-0 in their second outing. A disciplined goalless draw against Portugal in their final group fixture was enough to secure first place with seven points from three matches.
The South American side have also impressed defensively, conceding just one goal so far, and have emerged as one of the tournament’s dark horses as the knockout rounds begin.Colombia are bidding to match, or even surpass, their best recent World Cup performances, having reached the quarter-finals in Brazil in 2014 before making the Round of 16 in Russia four years later.
They failed to qualify for the 2022 edition but have returned in style under Lorenzo.Standing in their way is a determined Ghana side that has already shown its resilience during the group stage. (Agencies)
