Colombia Faces Ghana in World Cup Round of 32 Clash Colombia is set to attempt its second-ever knockout victory at the World Cup as it prepares to face Ghana in the round of 32. The match, scheduled for Friday, July 3, will pit the South American side against Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana, a team that has shown resilience despite recent managerial changes. Colombia’s quest for success in the knockout stages is a key focus, as the team aims to overcome its historical struggles in this phase of the tournament. Colombia’s group stage campaign was marked by strong performances, earning seven points and topping Group K. The team secured a hard-fought win over Uzbekistan and a draw with DR Congo before facing Ghana, which finished third in Group L. Their ability to maintain a competitive edge in tight matches has positioned them as a formidable opponent. However, their knockout-stage record remains a concern, with past encounters often ending in narrow defeats. Ghana, on the other hand, has undergone a strategic shift under new manager Queiroz, who took over just 72 days before the tournament began. This change has yielded positive results, with the team securing a draw against England and a last-gasp victory over Panama. Ghana’s defensive approach has been its standout feature, with a low block strategy that has limited opponents’ scoring opportunities. Despite this, Queiroz’s team faces the challenge of translating their defensive solidity into attacking threats, a hurdle that could determine the outcome of the match. The match is expected to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams prioritizing defensive organization. Colombia’s attacking prowess, led by stars like Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, will be critical in breaking down Ghana’s backline.#luis_diaz #colombia #ghana #carlos_queiroz #arrowhead_stadium
Jordan Ayew takes centre stage as Ghana end 16-year wait for another World Cup knockout game Jordan Ayew has finally stepped into the spotlight as Ghana’s national team returns to the World Cup knockout stage after a 16-year hiatus. The striker, who has long been overshadowed by his family’s legacy in Ghanaian football, now finds himself at the heart of a historic moment for the Black Stars. On Friday, in Kansas City, Ghana faced Colombia in a crucial Round of 16 clash, marking their first World Cup knockout game since 2010. For Ayew, the occasion carries deep personal significance, as it fulfills a lifelong dream rooted in memories of his predecessors’ triumphs. Ayew’s journey with the national team has been one of patience and perseverance. As a teenager, he watched his older brothers, André and Rahim Ayew, and their father Abedi Pele, become legends of Ghanaian football. The 2010 World Cup campaign, which saw Ghana reach the quarterfinals before a heartbreaking loss to Uruguay, left an indelible mark on him. At the time, Ayew was just 17, preparing for club football with Olympique de Marseille. Yet, the victory over the United States in that tournament remains etched in his memory. “Sixteen years ago, I remember exactly where I was,” he told ESPN. “I was at the airport going for pre-season with Marseille. Obviously, that was when Ghana won the game against USA, so yeah, it was amazing.” Over the years, Ayew has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s international football, earning over 120 caps and serving as a bridge between the golden generation of 2010 and the current squad under coach Carlos Queiroz. His career has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. While Ghana’s team reached the World Cup knockout stage in 2010, they struggled to replicate that success in subsequent tournaments.#colombia #antoine_semenyo #ghana #carlos_queiroz #jordan_ayew
World Cup schedule today: How to watch Argentina v Cape Verde, TV channels & live stream Friday 3 July The final day of the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup promises high stakes as defending champions Argentina face Cape Verde in Miami, while Australia and Egypt clash in Dallas and Colombia take on Ghana in Kansas City. With only three spots remaining in the knockout stage, the matches will determine which teams advance to the quarterfinals. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, enters the game with a perfect group stage record, having scored eight goals and conceded just one. The team’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity have made them favorites to progress, though Cape Verde’s historic run to the last 32 adds an element of unpredictability. The Blue Sharks, who qualified for their first World Cup, have defied expectations by surviving tough group stages against Spain and Uruguay. Their match against Argentina will test their resilience against a top-tier squad. Australia’s encounter with Egypt in Dallas presents a unique challenge. The Socceroos, known for their compact defense and quick transitions, will aim to secure their first World Cup knockout victory. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, has remained unbeaten through three games, relying on their pace and counterattacks. Both teams prioritize speed over possession, making the match a potential low-scoring affair. Salah’s fitness is a key factor, as his presence could tilt the balance in favor of Egypt. In Kansas City, Colombia’s rise as dark horses continues. The South Americans topped Group K ahead of Portugal, showcasing a blend of defensive discipline and attacking flair. Their match against Ghana, a team that has exceeded pre-tournament pessimism, will be crucial.#lionel_messi #world_cup #mohamed_salah #cape_verde #carlos_queiroz
Carlos Queiroz Aiming for Historic World Cup Milestone with Ghana The Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone in World Cup history, potentially leading the Ghana national team in the 2026 edition of the tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Queiroz, who is currently without a coaching contract following his amicable departure from the Oman Football Federation in March 2025, has entered negotiations with the Ghana Football Association to replace Otto Addo, who was recently dismissed due to poor results. While the Ghanaian federation has not yet confirmed the appointment, Queiroz’s agent, Tadio Martins, revealed that the federation made its first official contact with the coach, signaling a potential breakthrough. The name of the new Ghana coach is expected to be announced by Monday, as stated by Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams. Queiroz’s potential move to Ghana would mark a historic achievement, as he could become the second coach to participate in five consecutive World Cup editions. At 73 years old, Queiroz has already led his country, Portugal, in the 2010 World Cup, and has coached Iran in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. If he takes charge of Ghana in 2026, he would join an elite group of coaches who have managed multiple nations in the competition. The only other coach to achieve five consecutive World Cup participations is Bora Milutinović, who led Mexico in 1986, Costa Rica in 1990, and the United States in 1994. Milutinović later coached Nigeria in 1998 and China in 2002, amassing a total of 20 matches across his World Cup career, with eight wins, three draws, and nine losses.#otto_addo #carlos_queiroz #ghana_football_association #tadio_martins #kofi_adams
Carlos Queiroz é anunciado como técnico de Gana às vésperas da Copa do Mundo A Associação Ganesa de Futebol (GFA) anunciou nesta segunda-feira (13) o nome do novo técnico da seleção nacional de Gana, Carlos Queiroz, visando a Copa do Mundo de 2026. O português, que já comandou seleções em múltiplas edições da competição, assume o cargo após a demissão de Otto Addo, que foi afastado do cargo apenas algumas horas após Gana sofrer uma derrota por 2 a 1 em um amistoso contra a Alemanha. O comunicado da GFA destaca que Queiroz iniciará imediatamente seu trabalho para preparar os "Black Stars" para o torneio, que começa em 11 de junho de 2026. Não foi especificada a duração do contrato, que se limita à principal competição do futebol mundial. O técnico, que atualmente tem 73 anos, já teve passagens por seleções como Portugal (em 2010), Irã (em 2018 e 2022), Catar, Omã, Colômbia e Egito. A escolha de Queiroz surge em um momento de transição para a seleção ganesa, que enfrentará desafios para consolidar sua posição no cenário internacional. Na Copa do Mundo de 2026, Gana será um dos times do Grupo L, que contará com adversários como Inglaterra, Croácia e Panamá. O torneio será realizado nos Estados Unidos, México e Canadá, países que já estão em fase de preparação para receber a competição. Queiroz, conhecido por sua experiência em diferentes contextos competitivos, traz uma trajetória rica em conquistas e desafios. Sua passagem pelo Real Madrid (2003-2004) foi marcada por um estilo de jogo organizado e uma visão estratégica que se refletiu em seus trabalhos com seleções. Apesar da idade avançada, o técnico demonstra disposição para assumir um papel central na preparação da equipe ganesa. A demissão de Otto Addo, que assumiu o cargo em 2023, foi uma decisão rápida e surpreendente.#otto_addo #carlos_queiroz #gana #associao_ganesa_de_futebol #copa_do_mundo_2026
Carlos Queiroz Regressa ao Ativo e Avança para o Quinto Mundial Carlos Queiroz foi oficialmente anunciado como novo selecionador da seleção do Gana, marcando sua volta ao futebol internacional e avançando para sua quinta participação em uma fase final do Campeonato do Mundo. O português assume o cargo após deixar o comando da seleção de Omã, sucedendo Otto Addo, que deixou o cargo após a fase de grupos da Copa do Mundo de 2022. A Federação Ganesa de Futebol (GFA) confirmou a nomeação, destacando a "vasta experiência" do técnico, que será responsável por guiar a equipe na busca por uma nova conquista no torneio. Queiroz, que já atuou em quatro edições do Mundial — 2010 com Portugal, 2014, 2018 e 2022 com o Irão — igualará o recorde de Bora Milutinovic, que também participou de cinco mundiais. O brasileiro Carlos Alberto Parreira detém o recorde com seis participações. A escolha de Queiroz pela seleção do Gana surge em um momento crucial para a equipe, que busca consolidar sua posição como uma das potências do futebol africano. A GFA destacou que Queiroz assumirá as funções "imediatamente", sem mencionar um período de transição. A seleção do Gana estreia no Mundial de 2026 contra o Panamá, em um grupo que também inclui Inglaterra e Croácia. A formação da equipe será um dos desafios para o técnico, que terá que equilibrar a experiência de jogadores veteranos com a necessidade de desenvolver jovens talentos. Queiroz tem uma carreira marcada por sua trajetória internacional. Além de sua passagem pela seleção do Gana, ele já comandou as seleções de África do Sul, Portugal, Irão, Colômbia, Egito e Qatar. No futebol de clubes, o técnico trabalhou em clubes como Sporting e Real Madrid, onde acumulou experiência em competições europeias.#carlos_queiroz #federao_ganesa_de_futebol #gana #campeonato_do_mundo #panam
