Ghana's Black Stars have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia at Kansas City Stadium, ending their tournament campaign at the group stage.

Jhon Arias settled the contest in Colombia's favour with a 14th-minute opener, as Néstor Lorenzo's side delivered a composed, dominant performance to secure their place in the Round of 16.

Colombia's clinical edge

Ghana showed early ambition — Thomas Partey unleashed a thunderous long-range effort inside the opening two minutes — but Colombia quickly wrestled control and rarely relinquished it.

The decisive moment arrived when Luis Suárez drove down the right flank and cut back a precise low cross to Arias, who swept a first-time finish into the bottom corner to hand Colombia the lead.

Ghana were fortunate not to find themselves further behind before the interval. Luis Díaz spurned a clear chance from inside the box, and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced a superb reflex save to deny Johan Mojica's downward header from close range.

VAR denies Díaz a second

Colombia's grip on the match continued in the second half. In the 56th minute, Díaz stretched to convert Santiago Arias' cross, only for VAR to rule the effort out for marginal offside.

Moments later, Díaz found himself unmarked inside the penalty area and pulled the trigger — but fired directly at Ati-Zigi, who stood firm once again.

Despite Colombia's repeated attempts to extend their advantage, a single goal was enough. Colombia defended with discipline and composure, shutting out Ghana completely — the Black Stars failed to register a single shot on target throughout the entire match.

Colombia's next challenge

Colombia will now face Switzerland in the Round of 16 in Vancouver on 7 July, while Ghana depart the tournament without advancing beyond the group stage.