Colombia vs Ghana in Kansas City wrapped up the round of 32 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, nearly all of the 16 R32 clashes were competitive, with many going into extra time. This match was competitive, but Colombia maintained control throughout as oppressive heat hampered both teams ability to offer a flourishing attack.
Jhon Arias Early Goal Sets The Tone
Jhon Arias has put together a great tournament for his country, and finding space, he scored in the 14th minute for Los Cafeteros, a goal that set the tone for the game and prevented Ghana from being able to completely shut up shop and park the bus, as manager Carlos Queiroz was clearly aiming to do. Colombia had enough pace and chances going forward in the first half, that Ghana never settled defensively or looked comfortable.
There were two injuries in the first 13 minutes, starting striker Jhon Cordoba pulled up lame and Luis Suarez had to come in, Suarez, who has struggled this World Cup, assisted in the Arias goal and otherwise had a solid night in relief for Cordoba. Marvin Senaya was taken out for Ghana shortly after.
James Rodriguez Has a Silent Night
The heat and humidity of Kansas City clearly limited the veteran #10 James Rodriguez physically, Rodriguez was taken out at the half in favor of the more physical midfielder Richard Rios. Rios helped Colombia have a firm hand in the midfield, and it was the right solution to the problem, but against Switzerland, there’s a lingering question as to whether Juan Fernando Quintero should start. Quintero came on for Arias late in the second half and had the ball on a string. Other than Rodriguez, and goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who didn’t actually face a shot on target, everyone else on the Colombian team had a good performance.
Gustavo Puerta Continues to Shine
The highest rated player of the night was midfielder Gustavo Puerta who practically looks like a La Liga stalwart at this point, in 90 minutes he completed 59/62 passes.
The renaissance performances of Davinson Sanchez and his CB pair Jhon Lucumi continue, Colombia have now kept a third consecutive clean sheet, Daniel Munoz remains a menace on the wing, and Ghana had no real plan to break down the firm defending of Sanchez and Lucumi.
Ghana’s Awful Attack
Needing a goal to remain alive in the tournament, Ghana barely took shots at all and had none on target. Jordan Ayew looked ready to retire in the striker role, and Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo was one of the worst players of this World Cup, as he failed to register a shot. Ghana’s defence ultimately did was what was expecting, Colombia were a bit wasteful finishing, an aggressive Luis Diaz had another goal called offsides. The lack of intent was the problem for Ghana as the heat was clearly impacting their play.
Ghana had just 39% possession, and their goalkeeper needed to make 7 saves. Colombia was content to circulate the ball and preserve their energy.
Colombia vs Switzerland is Next
After Switzerland’s routine win over Algeria, the dark horses of UEFA will meet the dark horses of CONEMBOL in a round of 16 clash in Vancouver on Tuesday. Switzerland’s impressive attack should finally test Vargas and co. defensively, but Nestor Lorenzo has shown shrewd tactics this tournament to prepare Colombia well for its games. Given Cordoba’s fitness concerns, expect Luis Suarez to be the starting striker, as Colombia look to bury more of their goalscoring chances, with Cucho Hernandez in relief off the bench. Facing Ghana turned out to be an opponent similar to DR Congo, which was also a 1-0 win on matchday 2.
Facing Switzerland presents a different tactical puzzle, but Colombia remain favorites, and practically the home team wherever they play in North America.
