Ghana’s FIFA World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 32 after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia at Kansas City Stadium on Friday night.
Jhon Arias struck in the early part of the game for Colombia, scoring the game’s only goal in the 14th minute. The winger finished from close range after a quick Colombian break, turning in Luis Díaz’s low cross past Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Carlos Queiroz made four changes to the side that lost to Croatia, with Ati-Zigi, Jerome Opoku, Caleb Yirenkyi, and Inaki Williams all returning to the starting XI. Ati-Zigi was back between the sticks after recovering from the injury he suffered against Panama.
Ghana went behind early but responded well. Antoine Semenyo forced a sharp save from Camilo Vargas on 18 minutes, and Jordan Ayew headed Kwasi Sibo’s cross just wide before the break.
The Black Stars dominated possession in the second half as they chased an equaliser. Ati-Zigi kept Ghana in it with saves from Rafael Santos Borré and Luis Díaz. Inaki Williams and substitute Abdul Fatawu Issahaku came close but saw their efforts go wide.
Ghana’s wave of attacks from Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Antoine Semenyo ended without an equaliser as Colombia maintained their lead. Despite five minutes of added time, Queiroz’s side could not find a way through a steady Colombian backline marshalled by Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumi.
The result ends Ghana’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Colombia advances to the Round of 16 to face Switzerland.