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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up across North America, and Colombia is quietly building one of the most impressive campaigns of the tournament. Nestor Lorenzo’s side booked their Round of 16 spot with a composed 1-0 victory over Ghana in Kansas City on Friday night — and they’re starting to look like genuine dark horses.
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## Colombia 1-0 Ghana: What Happened
Playing in sweltering heat above 30°C, Colombia controlled the match from start to finish. Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute, volleying home after Luis Suarez burst down the right and crossed to the far post.
| Stat | Colombia | Ghana |
|——|———-|——-|
| Shots | 20 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 8 | **0** |
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Corners | 9 | 3 |
| Fouls | 12 | 14 |
Ghana ended the match without a single shot on target — remarkably, they managed only four shots on target across all four group games, worse than any other team except Iraq. Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo finished the tournament without registering a single effort on target.
Thomas Partey came closest for Ghana, firing inches wide inside 60 seconds, but the Black Stars never truly threatened.
## Colombia’s Quietly Dominant Run
This wasn’t a fluke. Colombia has been building momentum:
– **7 consecutive World Cup matches unbeaten in regulation** — their longest streak ever
– **3 straight clean sheets**
– **Topped Group K** ahead of Portugal after a 0-0 draw
– **20+ shots** in each of their last two matches
The only concern? Converting dominance into goals. Colombia had 20 attempts against Ghana but only scored once — a familiar pattern after registering 24 shots in the goalless Portugal draw.
## What’s Next: Round of 16 Bracket
| Matchup | Date | Venue |
|———|——|——-|
| Colombia vs Switzerland | Tue Jul 7 | Vancouver |
| Argentina vs TBD | — | — |
| Canada vs Morocco | Sat Jul 4 | Toronto |
| Paraguay vs France | Sat Jul 4 | — |
If Colombia beats Switzerland, they’d face a potential blockbuster quarter-final against Argentina back in Kansas City on July 12.
## Can Colombia Go All the Way?
Luis Diaz has been lively but wasteful in front of goal. Veteran James Rodriguez was substituted at halftime against Ghana, raising questions about his fitness for the knockout rounds. Jhon Cordoba also picked up a groin strain.
But defensively, Colombia is rock solid. Davinson Sanchez marshals the backline with authority, and the midfield trio of Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, and Gustavo Puerta provides both creativity and cover.
With the tournament being played largely on American soil, Colombia will enjoy strong support from the diaspora. And after topping their group ahead of European powerhouse Portugal, confidence is sky-high.
## FAQ
**When do Colombia play next?**
Colombia faces Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday, July 7 at 9:00 PM BST / 4:00 PM ET.
**Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup?**
In the US, matches are broadcast on Fox Sports and streamed on Fubo. Check your local listings for exact channels.
**Has Colombia ever won the World Cup?**
No. Colombia’s best result was reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 (Brazil). They’ve never made it past the last eight.
**Who are the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup?**
Argentina, Brazil, France, and England are among the frontrunners, but Colombia’s defensive record makes them an intriguing outsider.
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### Final Verdict
Colombia may not be flashy, but they’re effective. With a watertight defense and the ability to create chances against anyone, they have all the ingredients for a deep tournament run. The Switzerland clash on Tuesday will tell us if this is a genuine contender or just a team that beats what’s in front of them.
> **Colombia’s World Cup run is the feel-good story of the tournament so far — and they’re not done yet.**
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