Ghana will face Colombia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the South Americans secured top spot in Group K with a goalless draw against Portugal.
The result ensured Colombia finished the group unbeaten on seven points, setting up a historic first-ever meeting between the two nations at senior international level.
Colombia’s disciplined and brave display denied Portugal throughout the contest, allowing Los Cafeteros to finish two points clear of the 2016 European Championship winners. Portugal, who ended the group with five points, progressed as runners-up and will now take on Croatia, who finished second in Group L, in another highly anticipated Round of 32 fixture.
The Black Stars secured their place in the knockout phase after finishing third in Group L. Ghana accumulated four points to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams despite suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group match.
Their reward is a trip to Kansas City, where they will face Colombia on Saturday, July 4, at 1:30 a.m. GMT.
Elsewhere, DR Congo celebrated a landmark achievement by reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
The Leopards fought back from a goal down to defeat tournament debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final Group K fixture, securing one of the best third-placed qualification spots and extending their memorable campaign.
Ghana Ready for Tough Colombia Test
The clash in Kansas City promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Round of 32. Colombia have impressed throughout the group stage with their tactical organisation, finishing unbeaten while conceding just one goal in three matches.
Ghana, however, have shown resilience during the tournament. After a mixed group campaign, the Black Stars did enough to extend their stay in the competition and will hope to produce another famous World Cup performance against one of South America’s strongest sides.
The encounter will mark the first senior meeting between Ghana and Colombia, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. Both nations possess exciting attacking talent and experienced players capable of deciding matches on the biggest stage, making the fixture one that neutrals will eagerly anticipate.
The Black Stars will also be aiming to equal or better their previous World Cup achievements. Ghana reached the Round of 16 in 2006 before making history in 2010 by becoming only the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals, narrowly missing out on a place in the last four after a dramatic penalty shootout against Uruguay.
DR Congo Create World Cup History
While Ghana prepare for another knockout appearance, DR Congo have already written one of the biggest success stories of the tournament. The Leopards displayed remarkable character to overturn a first-half deficit against Uzbekistan, scoring three unanswered goals to secure a famous victory.
Their qualification is particularly significant given the nation’s limited World Cup history. DR Congo’s only previous appearance came in 1974 under the name Zaire, when they exited the competition without progressing beyond the group stage and conceded 14 goals without scoring. More than five decades later, they have finally broken new ground by reaching the knockout rounds.
The achievement reflects the growing strength of African football on the global stage. Several African nations have produced impressive performances during the expanded 48-team tournament with 8 of the 10 representatives reaching the knockout round, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of the continent’s representatives.
Algeria can take that number to nine if they avoid defeat to Austria in their final Group J game.
England Await as Knockout Stage Beckons
DR Congo’s reward is a blockbuster Round of 32 encounter against England in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1. It will be the country’s first-ever knockout match at a FIFA World Cup and presents an opportunity to produce another historic upset against one of Europe’s traditional heavyweights.
For Ghana, attention now turns entirely to Colombia. Carlos Queiroz’s side will be confident that they can compete with the South Americans if they maintain the defensive organisation and fighting spirit that helped them progress from a difficult group.
As the knockout stage begins, Ghana will seek another memorable World Cup chapter against Colombia, while DR Congo aim to continue their fairytale run against England in what promises to be another fascinating round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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