Jhon Arias’ First-Half Strike Sends Colombia Into Last 16 Clash With Switzerland
Colombia have booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Ghana 1-0 in a hard-fought knockout clash played in Kansas City.
Jhon Arias scored the game’s only goal in the 14th minute, finishing off a precise cross from Luis Suárez after Ghana failed to clear the danger.
Despite creating a few opportunities, the Black Stars were unable to register a single shot on target throughout the encounter, bringing their World Cup campaign to an end.
Both teams were forced into early substitutions due to injuries, with Colombia losing Jhon Córdoba and Ghana seeing Marvin Senaya limp off with a hamstring injury.
Colombia continued to dominate proceedings, with Luis Díaz having a goal ruled out for offside and goalkeeper Lawrence Zigi making several important saves to keep Ghana in the contest.
The South Americans held on to secure victory and will now face Switzerland in the Round of 16, with a potential quarter-final clash against Argentina awaiting the winners.
Ghana become one of several African nations eliminated at the Round of 32 stage of the tournament.
