Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 to set up World Cup showdown with Switzerland

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Colombia v Ghana - Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. - July 3, 2026 Colombia's Jhon Arias celebrates scoring their first goal IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jay Biggerstaff

04 Jul 2026 11:39AM

(Updated: 04 Jul 2026 12:38PM)

KANSAS CITY, Missouri: Jhon Arias scored the only goal as Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 in sweltering conditions in Kansas City on Friday (Jul 3) to reach the World Cup last 16, continuing a quietly impressive campaign that has established them as dangerous outsiders.Arias struck in the 14th minute, guiding home a cross from substitute Luis Suarez, and Colombia's disciplined defence did the rest as Nestor Lorenzo's side extended their unbeaten run and booked a meeting with Switzerland in the next round.Colombia had largely flown under the radar at the tournament, despite going undefeated against Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo to top Group K.

Colombia's Jhon Arias scores their first goal. (Photo: REUTERS/Claudia Greco)