Ghana faces Colombia in a crucial Round of 32 showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, July 3. With the tournament now in the knockout stage, there is no room for error as only one team will continue its World Cup journey.
Unlike the group stage, knockout matches cannot end in a draw. If the teams are level after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
What happens if Ghana beat Colombia?
If Ghana defeat Colombia—whether in regulation, extra time, or on penalties—they will advance to the Round of 16.
Their reward will be a matchup against Switzerland, who have already secured their place in the next round after defeating Algeria in the Round of 32.
A victory would also keep Ghana’s hopes of winning its first-ever FIFA World Cup title alive.
What happens if Ghana and Colombia are tied after 90 minutes?
A draw at the end of regulation does not eliminate either team immediately.
Instead, the match will continue with:
- 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute halves)
- A penalty shootout if the score remains level after extra time
The winner of the shootout advances to the Round of 16 to face Switzerland, while the losing team is eliminated.
What happens if Ghana lose to Colombia?
If Ghana lose in regulation, extra time, or penalties, their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign comes to an end.
Colombia would advance to the Round of 16, where they would take on Switzerland for a place in the quarterfinals.
Ghana vs Colombia kickoff time
The Round of 32 match between Ghana and Colombia is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, July 3.
With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, the match promises to be one of the most significant games of the tournament for both nations.
Ghana’s path if they advance
Should Ghana defeat Colombia, they would move into the Round of 16 against Switzerland. A victory there would send the Black Stars into the quarterfinals, bringing them one step closer to matching or surpassing their historic best World Cup finish.
As with every knockout match, only one team will continue its pursuit of the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other will head home.