Colombia and Ghana flew under the radar for much of the group phase but made it through to the Round of 32 and face off on Friday.
Colombia deserve their status as -199 favorites, and I expect them to triumph in a low-scoring encounter.
Read on for my Colombia vs. Ghana predictions and World Cup picks for Friday, July 3, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET in Kansas City.
Colombia vs Ghana predictions
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TOP PICK
Who will win Colombia vs Ghana: Colombia (-199)
Colombia have yet to hit top gear at this World Cup, but thanks to their attacking prowess, I expect them to overwhelm Ghana.
One of the key lessons from the group phase was that the Colombian players are more comfortable on the ball than their Ghanaian counterparts. They have the potential to dominate possession and pin the African underdogs in their own third of the field.
Whether Colombia can turn considerable territorial advantage into goals is open to question. When facing the other two Group I teams (Portugal and DR Congo) that qualified for the knockout phase, Colombia had 44 attempts on goal — 15 of which were on target — but scored just once.
Still, a single goal may be enough against limited opposition. Ghana spent much of the group phase with a defensive mindset and will struggle to switch modes if required to focus on going forward.
Back Colombia to win in regulation time. Playable to -210 in the latest World Cup odds.
COVERS INTEL: The six combined Group K and Group L matches involving Colombia and Ghana averaged just 1.50 goals per game. Under 2.5 goals cashed in four of those six contests, while Under 1.5 goals hit in three.Colombia vs Ghana Over/Under pick: Under 2.5 (-149)
Ghana are likely to employ defensive, risk-free tactics. They looked happiest during the group phase when defined by a defensive low block, and will be content to keep this match scoreless for as long as they possibly can.
Colombia created eight ‘Big Chances’ (according to Opta’s definition) during the group phase, but half of them came in one game, against Uzbekistan, the weakest of the three teams that they faced. The South Americans lack a world-class goalscorer, and much of the clever attacking play they produce in the opposition half goes to waste.
An early goal for either side would change the match dynamics. Otherwise, Colombia will be happy to play patiently, and Ghana have shown they can soak up pressure for long periods. Back the Under to -150.
Colombia vs Ghana projected lineup
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez
Ghana (4-3-3): Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Partey, Sibo, Yirenkyi; Semenyo, Ayew, Kamaldeen
Colombia vs Ghana injuries
Colombia: No key injuries to report.
Ghana: No key injuries to report.
Colombia vs Ghana weather
Expect a hot, dry evening in Kansas City, with temperatures in the low 90s.
Colombia vs Ghana odds
 Colombia |
 Ghana |
|
|---|---|---|
| -199 | Moneyline | +625 |
| +296 | Draw | +296 |
| Over 2.5 (+124) | Total | Under 2.5 (-149) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Colombia vs Ghana
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO |
| Date | Friday, July 3, 2026 |
| Time | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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