Colombia qualified for the 2026 World Cup by the skin of their teeth.
The South Americans finished sixth in Conmebol qualifying, the last available spot for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Ghana, on the other hand, topped their CAF qualification group, but didn’t really face too many difficult opponents.
Colombia vs Ghana predictions
At the World Cup, though, both teams have been surprisingly resolute. Ghana, of course, held England to a goalless draw in Group L, whilst Colombia finished above Portugal after going unbeaten during the group stage.
This match, then, is a meeting of two seemingly well-coached sides, at least over the past couple of weeks.
Both squads have star quality and Premier League representation, namely Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) and Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace), but it is their defences that are drawing plaudits this tournament.
Colombia kept two clean sheets in three group stage matches, while Ghana allowed just two goals themselves, so this Round of 32 fixture could be more like a game of chess than anything.
Bayern Munich‘s Luis Diaz is undoubtedly the star man of Nestor Lorenzo’s side, while Semenyo is Ghana’s dangerman if you hadn’t already guessed, or have been under a rock for the past 12 months.
In terms of individual quality, we think Colombia might just edge this one and the bookmakers agree.
But Ghana have already proven this tournament they won’t go down easily, only beaten late on by Croatia in their final Group L game.
Colombia vs Ghana score prediction
Ghana will play compact and look to restrict space for the likes of Diaz, James Rodriguez and Luis Suarez (not that one) to exploit. But, how long can they hold out?
They managed it against England but playing that way won’t take them all the way to the final, or perhaps even the Round of 16.
- Score prediction: Colombia 2-0 Ghana