Colombia and Ghana will face off in the Round of 32 in a compelling knockout match on Friday, July 3, at 9:30 p.m. ET. The contest will take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City as both nations look to secure a spot in the next round of the 2026 tournament.
Colombia is favored at a -200 price, with the over/under set at 2.5 (+120o / -155u) goals.
Let's get into my Colombia vs Ghana prediction.
Colombia vs Ghana Prediction
Pick: Colombia to Win, Under 4 Total Goals
My Colombia vs Ghana best bet is for Colombia to secure a victory in a contest that features fewer than four total goals.
Colombia vs Ghana Odds
| Ghana Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -200 | 2.5 +120o / -155u | +600 |
| Colombia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +145 | 2.5 +120o / -155u | -200 |
Colombia vs Ghana World Cup Preview
Colombia's status as favorites is well-deserved, particularly after their performance against Portugal in the final group game. Despite the match ending in a 0-0 draw, Colombia was statistically dominant, generating 1.63 xG to Portugal's 0.72 and taking 24 total shots. This display of offensive intent against a top-tier opponent showcases their potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
The tactical matchup heavily favors Colombia. Néstor Lorenzo’s team is expected to dominate possession, as they averaged 59.8% during the group stage. Ghana, meanwhile, is comfortable sitting back and absorbing pressure, reflected by their low possession average of 35.3% and a high PPDA (passes allowed per defensive action) of 21.4. This dynamic will likely lead to a game where Colombia consistently probes Ghana's defense, waiting for an opening.
Historically, these teams have no prior meetings, making this a fresh matchup. However, their records against continental opposition are telling. Colombia is undefeated in five World Cup matches against African teams, with four wins and one draw. In contrast, Ghana has never won against a South American opponent in three attempts at the tournament, losing twice and drawing once. This historical context further strengthens the case for a Colombian victory.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Ghana vs Colombia picks.
Colombia vs Ghana Picks, Parlay
- Colombia to Win & Under 4 Total Goals (-105, DraftKings)
Colombia enters this knockout match as the clear favorite, but Ghana has demonstrated it will not be an easy opponent. The African side successfully held one of the tournament favorites, England, to a 0-0 draw during the group stage. In that match, Ghana showed immense defensive resilience, limiting England to just 1.36 expected goals (xG) despite facing 19 shots. This performance highlights their ability to frustrate elite attacking teams by maintaining a compact defensive shape.
However, Colombia's form suggests they have the tools to break down Ghana's low block. The South Americans have been one of the strongest defensive teams in the competition, conceding just 0.82 expected goals against (xGA) per 90 minutes and allowing only five shots on target across their three group matches. This defensive solidity provides a strong foundation for their talented attackers to control the game.
While Ghana is defensively sound, its attack has been largely ineffective. They produced the fourth-worst xG among all knockout-stage teams and managed the fewest shots (15) of any nation in the group stage. This offensive weakness makes it difficult to see them troubling a disciplined Colombian backline.
Colombia vs Ghana Projected Lineups
Colombia Expected Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Vargas
Defenders: Muñoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica
Midfielders: Puerta, Lerma, Arias
Forwards: Rodriguez, Suarez, Diaz
Ghana Expected Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Asare
Defenders: Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah
Midfielders: Owusu, Sulemana, Yirenkyi
Forwards: Nuamah, Ayew, Semenyo
Colombia vs Ghana Weather
According to AccuWeather, it will be partly cloud and humid for tonight's match. The temperature will peak at 94 degrees during the day with a low of 77 degrees.
