Carlos Queiroz Braces Ghana For Colombia Showdown In World Cup Last 32

Ghana head coach, Carlos Queiroz has warned his players that the real challenge begins when they face Colombia in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

NEWSNGR reports that the Black Stars booked their place in the knockout stage despite a 2-1 defeat to Croatia on Saturday night, ending the group phase in third place in Group L. It was Ghana’s first loss of the tournament after opening their campaign with a win and a draw.

Colombia head into the tie unbeaten after topping Group K. Their goalless draw with Portugal in the final group match was enough to secure first place and set up a meeting with the West Africans.

Queiroz believes knockout football demands a completely different mindset and expects a stern examination against the South Americans.

“I have just told my players that the real world championship starts in the next round,” Queiroz said after the game against Croatia.

“The group stage is the warming-up and qualification for the next round is like a credit card but now you have to start paying. Everything goes to the winner, every game is drama, nobody can hide.”

Ghana and Colombia will battle for a place in the last 16 when they meet at the Kansas City Stadium on Sunday, 5 July.