The Black Stars are set for their biggest test yet at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they take on Colombia in the Round of 32 on Friday night, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
After negotiating a challenging Group L campaign, Ghana now faces the South American giants in a winner-takes-all encounter at Kansas City Stadium.
Carlos Queiroz’s men reached the knockout stage after collecting four points from three matches, beating Panama 1-0, holding England to a goalless draw and suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia. Caleb Yirenkyi and Derrick Luckassen have scored Ghana’s two goals at the tournament so far, while the Black Stars have conceded just twice.
The squad arrived in Kansas City on Wednesday evening and immediately shifted focus to preparations for the high-stakes clash. Queiroz is expected to put his players through one final training session before naming his starting XI.
The Portuguese tactician has received a major boost with Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Antoine Semenyo and Lawrence Ati-Zigi all fit and available for selection as Ghana chase a place in the Round of 16.
Standing in their way is an unbeaten Colombia side that topped Group K with seven points. Led by Néstor Lorenzo, Los Cafeteros have impressed with their attacking quality, physical midfield and dangerous play in wide areas.
Speaking ahead of the match, Queiroz urged his players to embrace the challenge of knockout football.
“The group stage is done. In knockout football, details decide everything. We respect Colombia, but we believe in our quality and our preparation. The players know what is at stake,” he said.
Victory would send Ghana into the Round of 16 for the first time since their memorable run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where they reached the quarter-finals.
The winner of the tie will face either Switzerland or Algeria in the Round of 16 as the race for World Cup glory intensifies.