Colombia vs. Ghana Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

Colombia will be advancing to the round of 16 after a definitive 1-0 victory. Although they would have expected to score more goals, manager Nestor Lorenzo will be pleased with their third consecutive clean sheet. How comfortable they looked playing without the ball and sitting deep to defend is good preparation for the greater challenges ahead.

Once they took James Rodriguez off for Richard Rios, it was evident Colombia would be more defensive in the second half. They still posed a threat on the break with striker Luis Suarez's determination to stretch Ghana's back line. Suarez was also a nuisance in chasing defenders to win back possession. It nearly resulted in a second goal in the 57th minute.

Suarez capitalized on Ghana's sloppiness from passing out from the back to get the ball in a dangerous area. A quick pass to Jhon Arias, led to a low drive at the far post for a sliding Luis Diaz. Unfortunately for the Bayern Munich star, he saw a familiar sight after putting the ball in the back of the net with the offside flag being raised. It was the third time a goal had been ruled out for him at this tournament for being offside.

Colombia remained resolute defensively despite the disappointment of failing to score the second goal they envisioned. Led by Davinson Sanchez, they didn't just prevent Ghana from having any clear goal-scoring opportunities. The Black Stars were unable to put a shot on target. There was a clear talent gap between the two sides that was evident throughout the match. Colombia imposed its will despite being expected to add another goal or two in the second half.

A far bigger test is on the horizon as Colombia takes on Switzerland in Vancouver for what is a fascinating matchup. Two battle-tested teams that play with great spirit should make for a tremendous watch. Los Cafeteros will have visions of being back in the quarterfinals as they did in 2014.

Third goal in four games that has been ruled out for Lucho.

It has been a dominant first half for one of the standout teams in the group stage. Colombia has overwhelmed Ghana with its pace and tenacity. Despite not taking many shots early on, it felt inevitable that they would score when a clear goal-scoring opportunity arose. That's exactly what happened in the 14th minute.

Substitute Luis Suarez worked relentlessly on the right flank to get a cross in. After being initially blocked by star winger Antoine Semenyo, he remained persistent and put a blistering ball into the box. It was directed toward Luis Diaz at the near post. The cross would go over his head, right into the path of Jhon Arias, for a terrific first-time finish.

Ghana slowly started attacking after 30 minutes of offering nothing going forward. They failed to seriously challenge Colombia despite the increase in possession. It will be interesting to see how they attempt to get back in the match after taking the fewest shots of any team in the group stage. Colombia looks more likely to score next, especially after nearly doubling their lead before halftime with Daniel Munoz connecting with Johan Mojica on a cross to force goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a highlight-reel save.

Early lead for South Americans in incredible atmosphere in KC.

Last game of the Round of 32 is here.

Yes, that's right, there's another game after that...

While Cape Verde put up an exceedingly impressive and memorable fight against the reigning champions, Argentina scraped by with a late 3-2 victory in extra time in their Round of 32 clash.

The scoring began when Lionel Messi bagged a goal in the first half, a strike where the No. 10 cushioned the ball perfectly with his first touch and expertly finished past goalkeeping sensation Vozinha. Vozinha, though, would get his revenge. The 40-year-old cult hero made a critical save while one-on-one with Messi in the second half, stopped a quick free kick, and saved another set piece from the Argentine talisman deep in second half stoppage time.

Between Vozinha's heroic outing and Deroy Duarte's goal in the 59th minute that equalized the scoreline at 1-1, this match was full of memorable moments for Cabo Verde – and neutrals, too. 

The Blue Sharks became the World Cup's darlings this summer, with their incredible group stage showings against Spain and Uruguay. They can now add an entirely respectable performance against Argentina to their resume in a match held at a stadium with a capacity that's more than 10% of Cabo Verde's entire population. They threatened Argentina on Friday, even equalizing Lisandro Martinez's goal in extra time with a phenomenal hit from Sidny Lopes Cabral to make it 2-2. But Cristian Romero's headed effort off a corner kick sealed the deal at 3-2.

Argentina, who can now breathe a sigh of relief, will take on Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta on July 7th.

Somehow Argentina keeper keeps this one out and preserves the lead.

Romero with HUGE header to put the game back in champions' hands.

This goal gets better with every watch.

Argentina back in front in extra time

We are going to EXTRA TIME. WOW.

Alert to Messi's early free kick to keep game tied.

What an unreal stop on the GOAT

This is outragous.

Lionel Messi looks, in a word, unstoppable.

The No. 10 has the only goal so far between Argentina and Cabo Verde, one that came about after a darting run in behind, a perfectly cushioned first touch, and a seamless finish. Even without much space in which to operate, Messi made the Blue Sharks pay. It's Messi, after all. Outside of the goal, Argentina haven't been especially busy. They've held most of the ball, as expected, but are yet to create a myriad of chances.

Everyone's favorite underdogs, for their part, have much to be proud of after the opening period. Cabo Verde have managed to stay strong defensively for most of the match, only breaking after a moment of magic from Messi. What's been missing, though, is any real threat going the other way. Down a goal, Cabo Verde need something in the attack in the second half.

...it is good, it is a record.

Does that say 20????????

He has done it again.

House money, baby

Messiball is here in the knockout stages.

Bigggggg one coming in Miami.

For the first time ever, Egypt has prevailed in a World Cup knockout game. Of course, regardless of the outcome in Texas, one of the sides was going to enjoy that distinction. But after a penalty shootout, it's Egypt who go through to the Round of 16.

Without either team creating much in open play, though Mohamed Salah began exerting his influence towards the end of regulation, set pieces helped define the match. Emam Ashour's opener stemmed from a recycled free kick. Australia's equalizer resulted from a free kick served into the box by midfielder Aiden O'Neill that was flicked home for an own goal by Egyptian right back Mohamed Hany. 

According to the FOX broadcast, Hany now holds the unfortunate distinction of being just the second player in men's World Cup history to have scored two own goals at the same tournament. The other came in a 1-1 draw with Belgium in the group stage. Hany became the first player to accomplish that feat in 60 years.

Despite the own goal, Egypt forced the game to a penalty shootout. Even after a late goalkeeping switch saw veteran Matt Ryan enter for the spot kicks, two misses from a pair of Australian center backs put the game out of reach and into Egypt's favor.

Egypt will now take on the winner of Argentina's clash with Cape Verde. The two victors will face off in the Round of 16 in Atlanta on July 7th.

Salah with a cheeky spot kick

Game comes to life right at the end

This one warming up nicely

Huge news if true

Might Egypt be an hour away from winning their first knockout round game at a World Cup?

Thanks to Emam Ashour's goal in the 13th minute on a recycled set piece, Egypt find themselves protecting a 1-0 lead. Largely in control of the game thus far, Egypt have held plenty of the ball high up the field, pushing their star-studded forward line high up against Australia's back five. With Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Ashour finding space beneath Ziko up top, Egypt's talent was on display in the first half.

Still, Australia aren't out of this game yet. They held more of the ball and pressed with more aggression and a higher line as the first half wore on – the Socceroos have begun asserting themselves in Dallas. With their height, Australia may well threaten on set pieces in the second period. This one is still anybody's game.

A bit of celeb spotting at the Egypt game

Ashour with deft header from set piece

Round of 32 coming to a close today

Time for Salah to kick us off

Mexico vs. England is gonna be huge

South Americans shining at World Cup

Shaping up nicely