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The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is officially complete â and Colombia has stamped its ticket as a genuine dark horse after a dominant 1-0 victory over Ghana in sweltering Kansas City. With Switzerland up next and a potential Argentina clash looming, the Cafeteros are making serious noise in North America.
đ¨đ´ Colombia 1-0 Ghana: Dark Horses Emerge
Playing in temperatures above 30°C well past 10 PM local time, Colombia delivered a commanding performance that left Ghana’s World Cup dream in tatters. Nestor Lorenzo’s side dominated from start to finish, recording 20 shots and 8 on target â while Ghana failed to muster a single shot on target for the entire match.
Match Report
The game exploded into life inside the first 10 minutes. Colombia striker Jhon Cordoba was forced off with a groin strain, replaced by Luis Suarez, while Ghana lost right-back Marvin Senaya to a hamstring injury.
From there, Colombia never looked back. Luis Diaz was a constant menace, dragging shots just wide and having a goal ruled out for offside. Gustavo Puerta forced a flying save from Zigi, and James Rodriguez was given a well-earned rest at half-time on his 130th international appearance.
Ghana’s best chance came inside the opening minute when Thomas Partey fizzed a long-range effort inches past the post. But it was all downhill from there. Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo ended the tournament without a single shot on target across four matches â a damning stat for a player of his caliber.
Colombia will now face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday (July 7), with the winner potentially meeting Argentina in the quarterfinals back in Kansas City.
đ Colombia’s Tournament So Far The Numbers
| Stat | Colombia | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Shots vs Ghana | 20 (8 on target) | 4 (0 on target) |
| Group K Finish | 1st (top) | â |
| Clean Sheets (3 straight) | â | â |
| Unbeaten in 90 mins (last 7 WC matches) | đ¨đ´ Record streak | â |
đŻ Round of 16 Bracket Taking Shape
With the Round of 32 complete, the Round of 16 matchups are now locked in. Here are the key fixtures to watch:
| Match | Date | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| đ¨đŚ Canada vs Morocco đ˛đŚ | Sat July 4 | 3:00 PM | Seattle |
| đŤđˇ France vs Paraguay đľđž | Sat July 4 | 7:00 PM | New York/New Jersey |
| đ§đˇ Brazil vs Scotland đ´ó §ó ˘ó łó Łó ´ó ż | Sat July 4 | 8:00 PM | Los Angeles |
| đ´ó §ó ˘ó Ľó Žó §ó ż England vs Mexico đ˛đ˝ | Sun July 5 | 7:00 PM | Mexico City |
| đŞđ¸ Spain vs Portugal đľđš | Mon July 6 | 3:00 PM | Dallas |
| đ¨đ´ Colombia vs Switzerland đ¨đ | Tue July 7 | 4:00 PM | Vancouver |
| đŚđˇ Argentina vs Egypt đŞđŹ | Tue July 7 | 8:00 PM | Atlanta |
đ What to Watch For
- Canada vs Morocco â Host nation Canada has been galvanized by the home crowd. Morocco’s experience could prove decisive in what should be a tight tactical battle.
- France vs Paraguay â France have scored 13 goals in 4 matches, the most in the tournament. Paraguay will need a near-perfect defensive display.
- England vs Mexico (Mexico City) â The Three Lions face a hostile atmosphere. England looked shaky against DR Congo and must improve fast.
- Brazil vs Scotland â Samba flair vs Scottish grit. On paper, Brazil are heavy favorites but Scotland have been resilient.
- Spain vs Portugal â The Iberian derby. Ronaldo vs Yamal. This could be the match of the round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored for Colombia against Ghana?
Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute, volleying home from Luis Suarez’s far-post cross. It was his first goal of the 2026 World Cup and proved to be the match-winner.
When does Colombia play Switzerland?
Colombia vs Switzerland kicks off on Tuesday, July 7 at 4:00 PM ET in Vancouver. The winner will likely face Argentina in the quarterfinals.
When is England vs Mexico?
England vs Mexico kicks off Sunday, July 5 at 7:00 PM ET (midnight BST) at Mexico City Stadium. Despite FIFA initially proposing a time change due to storms, the match stays at its original prime-time slot.
Where can I watch the World Cup 2026?
In the US, all matches are broadcast on Fox Sports and streamed on Fubo. For the best viewing experience, check out our guide to the best monitors and TVs for sports at PC Master Deals.
How far can Colombia go in this World Cup?
Colombia is unbeaten in 90 minutes across their last seven World Cup matches â a national record. With three straight clean sheets and a favorable bracket path, many analysts consider them a dark horse to reach the semifinals.
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The World Cup 2026 knockout stage is wide open. Who’s your pick to lift the trophy? Drop your prediction below!