Colombia face Ghana in a Football World Cup in 2026 Round of 32 clash at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Friday, July 3, with Los Cafeteros entering as Group K winners and the Black Stars advancing as one of the best third-placed finishers from Group L.
Both nations know a quarter-final run is not out of reach. For Colombia, a deep tournament run would match their best-ever finish from Brazil 2014. For Ghana, it would be their first knockout stage progression since reaching the quarter-finals sixteen years ago in South Africa. This blog covers how to watch, team news, squad lists, predicted lineups, and everything else you need ahead of this Round of 32 tie.
Key Details
- Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. CT / 6:30 p.m. PT / 1:30 a.m. BST (July 4)
- Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA
- Where to Watch: FOX / Telemundo (USA) | BBC iPlayer / ITVX (UK) | SBS (Australia) | Fubo, DirecTV Stream (USA streaming)
Where to Watch Colombia vs. Ghana Football World Cup Match?
Colombia vs Ghana is available on FOX and Telemundo for English and Spanish language coverage in the United States, with ITVX and BBC iPlayer providing free-to-air streaming in the United Kingdom.
In the USA, streaming options include Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu with Live TV, and Peacock Premium. Australian viewers can catch the action on SBS, which is broadcasting every match of the 2026 World Cup free to air.
How to Watch Colombia vs. Ghana with a VPN
If the match is unavailable in your region, a VPN can unlock free access to ITVX, which carries every World Cup match free to air for UK residents. ITVX is geoblocked to the United Kingdom, meaning viewers outside the UK will need a VPN to access it.
Follow these steps to stream Colombia vs Ghana using PureVPN:
- Sign up for PureVPN and install the app on your chosen device.
- Connect to a UK server to obtain a British IP address.
- Visit ITVX and sign in or create a free account using a UK postcode.
- Search for Colombia vs Ghana and begin streaming the match live.
Always review the terms of service of any streaming platform before using a VPN. PureVPN is available across all major devices including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and laptops.
Colombia vs. Ghana Football World Cup in 2026 Team News
Colombia Team News
Nestor Lorenzo has built one of the most cohesive squads at this World Cup during four years in charge, overseeing a 28-match unbeaten run that included wins over Germany, Brazil, and Spain before guiding Colombia to the 2024 Copa America final.
Colombia topped Group K with seven points from three matches, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 and DR Congo 1-0 before securing first place with a disciplined goalless draw against Portugal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Lorenzo made several rotations against Portugal to rest key players, but the squad is expected to return to full strength for Kansas City.
Colombia have conceded just once in the tournament so far, reflecting an organised defensive structure that Lorenzo has built around the pace and intelligence of Luis Diaz in attack and the creativity of captain James Rodriguez in the number ten role. Crystal Palace full back Daniel Munoz has been a surprise standout, finishing the group stage as Colombia’s top scorer with two goals.
Sports Mole confirmed Colombia have reported no injury concerns ahead of the Ghana match and are expected to have a full squad available for selection. James Rodriguez, at 34, is playing at what he has described as his final World Cup and leads the side with experience and purpose.
Ghana Team News
Carlos Queiroz was appointed Ghana head coach on April 13, 2026, just ten weeks before the tournament began, replacing Otto Addo following friendly defeats to Austria and Germany. The 73-year-old Portuguese coach arrived with a fifth World Cup on his CV, having previously managed Portugal, Iran across three tournaments, South Africa, Colombia, Egypt, and several others in an extensive international career.
Ghana conceded seven goals across those two March friendly defeats before Queiroz imposed an entirely different defensive structure. The transformation was immediate. In three group matches, the Black Stars beat Panama 1-0, held England 0-0, and lost 2-1 to Croatia in a match that still left them in the last 32 as one of eight best third-placed finishers.
The biggest absence for Ghana at this tournament has been Tottenham Hotspur winger Mohammed Kudus, who suffered a quad injury in January and then a setback during recovery, ruling him out of the competition entirely. Kudus had scored the goal that sealed Ghana’s qualification against Comoros in October 2025.
Thomas Partey missed the opening group match against Panama after being denied entry over legal proceedings in the United Kingdom, which he denies. The former Arsenal midfielder returned for the England match and has since served as the midfield anchor. Antoine Semenyo picked up a knock against Croatia but is expected to start against Colombia. Captain Jordan Ayew, with 120 international caps, leads the squad with experience and composure.
Colombia World Cup 2026 Squad List
Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Alvaro Montero
Defenders: Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Gustavo Puerta, Johan Mojica, Willer Ditta, Deiver Machado, Davinson Sanchez
Midfielders: Kevin Castano, Richard Rios, Jorge Carrascal, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Jaminton Campaz
Forwards: Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba, Luis Suarez, James Serna
Ghana World Cup 2026 Squad List
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang
Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Baba Abdul Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Caleb Yirenkyi, Augustine Boakye, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards: Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Kwabena Adu
Colombia vs. Ghana Match Preview
Colombia enter this Round of 32 encounter as clear favourites on nearly every metric. They won their group unbeaten, conceded just one goal in three matches, and possess attacking depth that Ghana’s defensive structure will be tested to contain. Nestor Lorenzo has his side operating with genuine confidence, rotating without weakening the starting group, and with Luis Diaz anchoring the attack and James Rodriguez directing play from deep, Colombia have multiple ways to create.
Ghana’s route to this point has been different, and arguably more impressive in its own way. Queiroz drilled a defence into place in under ten weeks, erasing the shambles of the March friendlies and producing a unit that kept Harry Kane and England scoreless in Foxborough. The philosophy is straightforward: sit compact, absorb, and hit on the counter. Against Colombia’s pressing style and technical quality in midfield, holding that structure for ninety minutes will require enormous discipline.
The key tactical battle runs through the midfield. Richard Rios at Benfica has been one of Colombia’s most influential players at this tournament, pressing with intensity and carrying the ball into dangerous areas. Thomas Partey, for all his experience, is playing at 32 and will need to manage his energy carefully if Ghana are to contain Colombia through the full match.
Iñaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo offer Ghana genuine pace on the counter. If Colombia commit too many bodies forward against a deep Ghana block, those two have the speed and directness to punish any space left behind Davinson Sanchez and Jhon Lucumi. Colombia’s task is to be patient enough to unlock a deep defence while staying compact enough to prevent the counter Ghana are built to deliver.
This is the first time in history that Colombia and Ghana have met in any competitive fixture. History will be made in Kansas City regardless of the result.
2026 Football World Cup Preview
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive edition of football’s grandest stage. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For the first time ever, three nations are co-hosting the Football World Cup; a milestone that reflects both the scale of the event and the growing global footprint of the beautiful game.
2026 Football World Cup Format Explained: 48 Nations, 104 Matches
An expanded Football World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and take place across three host nations for the first time. This expansion fundamentally changes the tournament’s structure.
The competition consists of 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament advance to the knockout Round of 32.
With 32 teams advancing, the knockout stage now includes a Round of 32, a Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, meaning there will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than in Qatar. As a result, this Football World Cup lasts 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.
16 Host Cities Across 3 Nations in the 2026 Football World Cup
There are 16 host cities in total, with 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The cities where games take place include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey in the United States.
The opening match was especially historic. The tournament kicked off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico faced South Africa, making it one of the most iconic venues in Football World Cup history and the first stadium to host games at three different men’s Football World Cups.
The final is set for an equally iconic setting. The knockout stage will conclude with the final, to be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
The Stars to Watch in the 2026 Football World Cup
The 2026 Football World Cup features a massive mix of established superstars and next-generation talent. Here are the names central to the tournament conversation:
Established Legends
- Lionel Messi — Argentina’s captain, widely expected to play his final Football World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal’s all-time icon, also likely bowing out on the biggest stage
Elite Europeans
- Kylian Mbappé — France’s generational superstar and title favourite
- Erling Haaland — Norway’s goal machine making his Football World Cup debut
- Jude Bellingham — England’s midfield engine and creative force
- Jamal Musiala — Germany’s technically gifted young star
- Lamine Yamal — Spain’s teenage sensation
- Harry Kane — England’s all-time top scorer hunting major honours
South American Powerhouses
- Vinícius Júnior — Brazil’s electric winger and Ballon d’Or contender
- Federico Valverde — Uruguay’s tireless and technically brilliant midfielder
North American Heroes
- Alphonso Davies — Canada’s captain and fan favourite on home soil
- Christian Pulisic — The face of US soccer playing in front of a home crowd
African Star
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt’s legendary forward bringing vast club experience to the global stage
For Messi and Ronaldo, this will likely be their final Football World Cups, giving the tournament an unmistakably emotional dimension as two of the greatest players in football history bow out on the grandest stage.
2026 Football World Cup Knockout Stage: The Road to the Final
The knockout stage of the 2026 Football World Cup is the second and final stage of the competition, played from June 28 to July 19, 2026. The top two teams from each of the twelve groups, along with the best eight third-place teams, have advanced to compete in a single-elimination tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is ready to enter its knockout stage. Here's how the tournament's next phase differs from the group stage. https://t.co/ZUtq2tVWQo
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) June 28, 2026
Football World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Schedule
| Round | Date | Match / Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | June 28 | Canada vs. South Africa |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Brazil vs. Japan |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Germany vs. Paraguay |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Netherlands vs. Morocco |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | Ivory Coast vs. Norway |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | France vs. Sweden |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | Mexico vs. Ecuador |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | England vs. DR Congo |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | Belgium vs. Senegal |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | USA vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| Round of 32 | Thursday, July 2 | Spain vs. Austria |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Portugal vs. Croatia |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Switzerland vs. Algeria |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Australia vs. Egypt |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Argentina vs. Cape Verde |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Colombia vs. Ghana |
⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Fixtures ⚽
— World of StatHistics (@Stat_Cult) June 28, 2026
🗓️ Sunday, June 28
🇿🇦 South Africa – Canada 🇨🇦 →
🏟️ Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi)
🗓️ Monday, June 29
🔥 🇧🇷 Brazil – Japan 🇯🇵 →
🏟️ Houston Stadium (NRG)
🇩🇪 Germany – Paraguay 🇵🇾 →
🏟️ Boston Stadium (Gillette)
🇳🇱 Netherlands –… pic.twitter.com/Upoc5irwla
2026 Football World Cup Host Stadiums
| Stadium Name | Host City | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Stadium | Toronto | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 45,000 |
| BC Place Vancouver | Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | 54,000 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico | 83,000 |
| Estadio Guadalajara | Guadalajara | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | 48,000 |
| Estadio Monterrey | Monterrey | Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico | 53,500 |
| Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 75,000 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 65,000 |
| Dallas Stadium | Dallas | Arlington, Texas, USA | 94,000 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | Houston, Texas, USA | 72,000 |
| Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 73,000 |
| Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles | Inglewood, California, USA | 70,000 |
| Miami Stadium | Miami | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | 65,000 |
| MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA | 82,500 |
| Philadelphia Stadium | Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 69,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara, California, USA | 71,000 |
| Seattle Stadium | Seattle | Seattle, Washington, USA | 69,000 |
Mexico has 3 stadiums like this and still got just 13 matches to host and USA is hosting 78 matches.
— Rahul Raj (@RahulRajVerse) June 28, 2026
Mexico is definitely Robbed😢😭 pic.twitter.com/HMyhQJ1Xhk
Prize Money and Commercial Scale of the 2026 Football World Cup
The prize money for this Football World Cup was confirmed at an official meeting in Doha. The prize fund is up 50 per cent on that of the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar, and each team also receives $1.5m to cover preparation costs, meaning every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m.
The United States last hosted the men’s Football World Cup in 1994, and that tournament still holds the record as the most attended Football World Cup with 3.6 million fans. That record will certainly be shattered in 2026 with fans entering turnstiles in three countries.
2026 Football World Cup Official Broadcasters
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Algeria | ENTV |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Angola | Z Sports |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Armenia | Fast Sports |
| Aruba | Telearuba |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV, Magenta Sport |
| Azerbaijan | İTV |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Belize | Nexgen |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel, Entel, Tigo Sports |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports |
| Brunei | TBA |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CCTV, Migu, Xiaohongshu |
| Colombia | Caracol, RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Curaçao | Nos Pais Television |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 |
| Dominican Republic | CDN 37, Pio Deportes |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Estonia | TV3 Estonia, ERR |
| Ethiopia | Hagerie TV |
| Fiji | FBC |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France (Metropolitan) | M6, beIN Sports |
| France (Ultramarine) | Antenne Réunion, La 1ère |
| Georgia | Setanta Sports, Rustavi 2 |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Ghana | ChannelOne TV |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports |
| Haiti | TNH |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports |
| Hong Kong | PCCW |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RÚV |
| India | Unite8 Sports (Zee) |
| Indonesia | TVRI, FolaPlay, Telkomsel |
| Ireland | RTÉ |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Ivory Coast | RTI, NCI |
| Jamaica | TVJ |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK |
| Kenya | Azam TV |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK, Beeline Ukmush TV |
| Laos | TBA |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | RTBF, M6, ARD, ZDF |
| Macau | TDM |
| Malawi | Azam TV |
| Malaysia | RTM, Unifi TV |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | Television Malta |
| Mauritius | MBC |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | EduTV, National Television, Suld TV, MNB, Mobihome VOO |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport |
| Morocco | SNRT |
| Mozambique | Miramar, Z Sports |
| Myanmar | TBA |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| Panama | RPC/COS, TVN Media, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Philippines | Aleph Arena, TAP DMV, Cignal PPV |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, RTP, SIC, TVI, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Rwanda | Azam TV |
| Saint Lucia | Winners Sports TV |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN |
| Senegal | RTS |
| Serbia | PTC, Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | RTVS, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South America | DSports, Disney+ |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports, CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Suriname | STVS, ATV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV |
| Tanzania | Azam TV |
| Thailand | TBA |
| Timor-Leste | RTTL, ETO |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Quest Sports Media |
| Uganda | Azam TV |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO |
| United Kingdom | STV (Central & Northern Scotland), BBC, ITV |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vanuatu | VBTC |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| Vietnam | VTV |
| Zambia | Azam TV |
| Zimbabwe | Azam TV |
2026 Football World Cup: A Tournament for the Ages
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is more than a football tournament; it is a cultural event spanning an entire continent. The tournament is expected to be the largest Football World Cup ever by both attendance and scale, and is also expected to expand the reach of football across North America.
With legendary players potentially playing their last Football World Cups, host nations hungry for glory, and a brand-new format delivering more football than ever before, the summer of 2026 promises to be utterly unforgettable for fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
The match kicks off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, July 3, 2026. In the UK, that is 2:30 a.m. BST on Saturday, July 4. Local kick-off in Kansas City is 8:30 p.m. CT.
The match takes place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, a venue better known as the home of the Kansas City Chiefs NFL franchise.
The match is available free to air on ITVX and BBC iPlayer. Both platforms stream every World Cup 2026 match at no cost to UK viewers.
FOX carries the English-language broadcast. Telemundo covers the match in Spanish. Streaming options include Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu with Live TV, and Peacock Premium.
No. Colombia vs Ghana on July 3, 2026 is the first competitive meeting between the two nations in history.
Nestor Lorenzo, the Argentine coach who has overseen a remarkable rebuild of Los Cafeteros since taking charge in 2022. He guided Colombia to a 28-match unbeaten run and the 2024 Copa America final before delivering their World Cup qualification.
Carlos Queiroz, the 73-year-old Portuguese coach appointed in April 2026. He replaced Otto Addo just ten weeks before the tournament and is making his fifth World Cup appearance as a head coach.
No. The Tottenham Hotspur winger suffered a quad injury in January 2026 and then a setback during recovery, ruling him out of the entire tournament. His absence has been one of Ghana’s most significant challenges.
In the Round of 32, a draw after 90 minutes leads to extra time and, if still level, a penalty shootout. There is no away goals rule in knockout matches.
The winner advances to the Round of 16 and faces either Switzerland or Algeria at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.
