Arias’ goal in the Colombia vs Ghana match was ‘just what the doctor ordered’ for Lorenzo’s team
Jhon Arias fired Colombia ahead against Ghana after 14 minutes in Kansas City on Saturday to put the Group K winners into a last-16 clash with Switzerland.
Luis Suarez, who had come on for Jhon Cordoba, sent in a cross from the right for Palmeiras livewire Arias to miss.
“Look what it means to all the Colombian fans in this stadium,” former England midfielder Andros Townsend told ITV.
“That’s not easy because he has to get there before it explodes. It’s a lot harder than it looks.”
Colombia vs Ghana: World Cup underdogs ‘must go’
Colombia had the ball and Townsend suggested that Ghana, who kept two clean sheets in the group stage, would have to pull back on low blocks.
“Colombia did that well,” he added. “That’s what the doctor ordered. Now Ghana has to leave.”
The Blacks lost Marvin Senaya to injury in the 13th minute, replacing Alidu Seidu at right back.
World Cup 2026: Team Colombia vs Ghana
Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz regained his place in Colombia, scoring once in their first two games and setting up Davinson Sanchez for a disallowed goal after dispossessing Santiago Arias in the 87th minute against Portugal.
Arias and Deiver Machado got in the way, as did Mallorca defender Johan Mojica.
Suarez scored four goals in the South American qualifiers, setting the standard for forwards with the likes of Argentina’s Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Colombia starting XI: Camilo Vargas, Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Gustavo Puerta, Johan Mojica, Davinson Sanchez, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma, Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba
Colombia instead: David Ospina, Alvaro Montero, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Willer Ditta, Deiver Machado, Kevin Castano, Richard Rios, Jorge Carrascal, Juan Portilla, Juan Quintero, Cucho Hernandez, Jaminton Campaz, Luis Suarez, Andres Gomez
2026 World Cup: Ghana to face Colombia
Defender Jerome Opoku is back in Ghana after missing the defeat to Croatia through injury.
Manchester City striker Antoine Semenyo started again despite suffering an ankle injury at the end of the group stage and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi returned following a groin problem.
Enter Caleb Yirenkyi and Inaki Williams. Benjamin Asare, Jonas Adjetey, Elisha Owusu and Kamaldeen Sulemana moved to the bench.
Ghana starting XI: Lawrence Ati Zigi, Gideon Mensah, Jerome Opoku, Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya, Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams
Changed in Ghana: Joseph Anang, Benjamin Asare, Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Abdul Mumin, Baba Rahman, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Elisha Owusu, Augustine Boakye, Abdul Fatawu, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Prince Adu
Where to watch Colombia v Ghana: TV channel, live streaming online
Kick-off on Saturday was at 02:30 BST (21:30 ET / 18:30 PT, both Fridays). In the UK, live TV broadcasts on ITV1.
Live streaming via the ITV website and the ITVX app, available on a range of devices for viewing on the go.
