4 July 2026
Colombia Hold Firm to Reach Last 16 With 1-0 Win Over Ghana
A single goal and stubborn defending were enough to send Colombia through to a last-16 showdown with Switzerland, as coach Nestor Lorenzo praised his side's discipline.
Colombia edged past Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City in the early hours of Saturday, with Jhon Arias' 14th-minute goal proving the difference between the two sides, according to Sky Sports and The Guardian.
Coach Nestor Lorenzo was full of praise for his team's defensive resolve after the match, telling reporters their ability to protect a narrow lead was the key factor in progressing, according to Reuters. Ghana pushed hard throughout, with Antoine Semenyo creating danger and Leicester City's Abdul Fatawu introduced late as one of four substitutes in a bid to force extra time.
The Guardian reported that James Rodriguez looked disappointed to be substituted at half-time, though noted the 34-year-old's best days are behind him. A Luis Diaz effort that appeared to double the lead was ruled out for offside, keeping the tie tight until the final whistle.
Colombia now face Switzerland in Vancouver in the last 16, with a place in the quarter-finals the prize for whichever side comes through.
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