World Cup 2026: Colombia knock out Ghana in the round of 32 thanks to Jhon Arias goal

Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 at Kansas City Stadium on July 4, 2026, as Jhon Arias' 14th-minute goal sent them into the World Cup round of 16.

Henry DONCHE

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On 4 Jul 2026 at 04:35 Updated 4 Jul 2026

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Illustration du match Colombie VS Ghana, le 04/07/2026 02:30, stade Kansas City Stadium

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SUMMARY

An active Colombia side in a 4-3-3 led by Nestor Lorenzo
Ghana’s 4-1-4-1 comes up short under Carlos Queiroz

Colombia defeated Ghana (1-0) on July 4, 2026, at Kansas City Stadium, in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. It was a victory secured in regulation time by a Jhon Arias goal in the 14th minute, allowing the Colombians to book their place in the round of 16.

The two teams produced an intense match, with Colombia dominating possession (63%) and proving more accurate with their shooting (5 on target from 9 attempts). Ghana, despite a solid defensive setup, failed to put a single effort on target (0 from 8), halting their progress in the competition under Carlos Queiroz.

Jhon Arias’ goal came shortly after an early substitution in the Colombian attack, with Luis Suárez replaced by Jhon Córdoba. From a Suárez assist, Arias opened the scoring in the 14th minute, despite having received a yellow card moments earlier (12th). Colombia managed their lead despite several bookings, notably for Arias and Ríos, while Ghana made several tactical changes but could not equalize.

Colombia’s defensive commitment, led by Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumí, neutralized Ghana’s attacks, spearheaded by Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi made several saves, but it was not enough to rescue his team.

This victory confirms the work of Nestor Lorenzo at the helm of Colombia, who rely on an attacking 4-3-3 with key players such as James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz and Jefferson Lerma. Ghana, set up in a 4-1-4-1 with Thomas Partey as the holding midfielder, exit the competition despite showing clear fighting spirit.

An active Colombia side in a 4-3-3 led by Nestor Lorenzo

Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo lined up in a classic 4-3-3 system, combining defensive solidity with attacking creativity. Camilo Vargas was in goal, protected by a back four of Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí and Johan Mojica. In midfield, Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma and Jhon Arias drove the play, supporting the attacking trio of James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba and Luis Díaz.

Jhon Arias’ role was decisive: he opened the scoring and was behind several openings, well supported by James Rodríguez, who controlled the tempo of the match before being replaced at half-time. The tactical flexibility shown through several quick changes helped maintain pressure on a Ghanaian defense that was solid but ultimately beaten.

Ghana’s 4-1-4-1 comes up short under Carlos Queiroz

Carlos Queiroz opted for a 4-1-4-1, with Lawrence Ati Zigi in goal and a defense led by Derrick Luckassen and Gideon Mensah. Thomas Partey operated at the base of midfield, while Iñaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo tried to spark the attack.

Despite several second-half substitutions, including the introductions of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Jordan Ayew, Ghana never managed to get a shot on target, underlining a frustrating contest. Several bookings also marked the match for the Ghanaians, who must rethink their attacking play if they are to go further in the competition.

Colombia

Finished 1-0 Kansas City Stadium

Ghana

04/07/2026 02:30 Round of 32

Fil du match

8'Remplacement - J. Cordoba (remplace L. Suarez)Colombie, 8e
12'Carton jaune - J. AriasColombie, 12e
13'Remplacement - M. Senaya (remplace A. Seidu)Ghana, 13e
14'But - J. Arias (passe L. Suarez)Colombie, 14e
46'Remplacement - J. Rodriguez (remplace R. Rios)Colombie, 46e
49'Carton jaune - C. YirenkyiGhana, 49e
56'VAR - L. DiazColombie, 56e
62'Remplacement - I. Williams (remplace I. Fatawu)Ghana, 62e
62'Remplacement - K. Sibo (remplace E. Owusu)Ghana, 62e
66'Carton jaune - I. FatawuGhana, 66e
73'Remplacement - J. Arias (remplace J. Quintero)Colombie, 73e
76'Carton jaune - A. SeiduGhana, 76e
78'Carton jaune - R. RiosColombie, 78e
79'Remplacement - J. Ayew (remplace E. Nuamah)Ghana, 79e
79'Remplacement - C. Yirenkyi (remplace P. Adu)Ghana, 79e
90'Remplacement - L. Diaz (remplace J. Campaz)Colombie, 90e

Les chiffres du match

Tirs cadres : Colombia 5 / Ghana 0
Tirs : Colombia 9 / Ghana 8
Possession : Colombia 63% / Ghana 37%
Corners : Colombia 2 / Ghana 2
Fautes : Colombia 10 / Ghana 5
Cartons jaunes : Colombia 1 / Ghana 2
Cartons rouges : Colombia 0 / Ghana 0

Joueurs clés

J. Arias (Colombia) : note 7.94, 1 but(s), 1 carton(s) jaune(s)
L. Zigi (Ghana) : note 6.91, 4 arret(s)
L. Suárez (Colombia) : note 6.53, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
D. Muñoz (Colombia) : note 7.68
D. Sánchez (Colombia) : note 7.68

Round of 32 schedule

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World Cup 2026: Colombia knock out Ghana in the round of 32 thanks to Jhon Arias goal

SUMMARY

An active Colombia side in a 4-3-3 led by Nestor Lorenzo

Ghana’s 4-1-4-1 comes up short under Carlos Queiroz

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