Two defensively disciplined sides meet in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Colombia take on Ghana with a place in the last 16 on the line — but supporters hoping for an open, free-scoring affair may be in for a disappointment.

How each side arrived here

Colombia's path to the tournament was far from straightforward. Nestor Lorenzo's men scraped through Conmebol qualifying in sixth place — the final berth available in an expanded 48-team competition. Ghana, by contrast, topped their CAF qualifying group, though they did so without facing a string of demanding opponents.

At the tournament itself, both teams have exceeded expectations. Ghana held England to a goalless draw in Group L, while Colombia went unbeaten across the group stage to finish above Portugal. These are not sides that give goals away freely.

Defensive solidity defines both squads

Colombia kept clean sheets in two of their three group matches, and Ghana conceded only twice across the same stage. That mutual resolve points toward a tight, tactical encounter — a game of chess rather than a goalfest.

Both squads carry genuine star quality, with Premier League representation on show. Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City is Ghana's most dangerous attacker, while Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz provides energy for Colombia. Yet it is the defensive units that have drawn the most attention in this tournament.

For Colombia, Bayern Munich's Luis Diaz leads the line alongside James Rodriguez and Luis Suarez — not the Uruguayan, but Colombia's own forward of the same name. Diaz is undoubtedly Lorenzo's most potent weapon.

Score prediction: Colombia 2-0 Ghana

Ghana demonstrated real grit by only being beaten late on by Croatia in their final group game. That resilience will be tested again here, as they look to sit compact and deny Colombia the space Diaz and company crave.

It worked against England. But whether that defensive approach can carry them through a knockout tie against a side with Colombia's individual quality is another question entirely. The bookmakers favour Colombia, and on balance, so do we — with Lorenzo's side expected to find a way through.