FIFA World Cup: Unbeaten Colombia beat Ghana 1-0, set up Switzerland in last 16

Jhon Arias scored the only goal as Colombia extended their unbeaten World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ghana in Kansas City on Friday to book a round of 16 match against Switzerland.

Arias struck in the 14th minute, turning in a dangerous cross from the right from Luis Suarez, who had only moments before replaced the injured Jhon Cordoba, from close range. An early goal was enough for Colombia, who controlled the game for long periods and never allowed Ghana to have a shot on goal.

The South Americans, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, have now reached the knockout stages for the third time in their last four appearances, after reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 and the round of 16 in 2018.

Colombia created chances throughout but were repeatedly denied by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, who kept himself in the game with a series of impressive saves. The goaltender finished with seven saves as Colombia dominated the stats, outshooting Ghana 20-8 and forcing eight attempts on goal.

Luis Diaz came close to doubling the lead before the break but dragged his shot wide of the box. In first-half stoppage time, Johan Mojica’s header from Daniel Munoz’s cross was cleared by Ati Zigi to keep Ghana on target.

The pressure continued even after the restart. Ati Zigi produced another superb save to deny Gustavo Puerta before reacting quickly to keep out Diaz from close range minutes later.

Diaz did have the ball in the net shortly after, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Colombia continued to push for a second goal and almost found it in the closing stages when Davinson Sanchez headed home Juan Fernando Quintero’s corner with a powerful header, only for Ati Zigi to strike again.

Ghana troubled the Colombian defense throughout the match. Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had a quiet evening as the Colombian backline kept the African side from registering a single shot on target.

Colombia will now face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday for a place in the quarter-finals as Ghana’s World Cup campaign winds down after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful showing.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

04 Jul 2026 09:56 IST