Colombia vs. Ghana projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup Round of 32 game in Kansas City

With the group stage complete, Colombia and Ghana meet in Kansas City with a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at stake. From here on, every match is single-elimination, leaving no room for error.

Colombia topped Group K with seven points after beating Uzbekistan and DR Congo before drawing with Portugal. Nestor Lorenzo's side conceded just one goal across three group-stage matches and enter the knockout rounds unbeaten.

Ghana advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after defeating Panama, drawing with England and narrowly losing to Croatia. Otto Addo's side will be hoping to upset the Group K winners and continue their World Cup journey.

Here are the latest team news updates and projected starting lineups for Colombia and Ghana ahead of their Round of 32 clash in Kansas City.

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Colombia projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 12. C. Vargas (GK) — 2. D. Munoz, 23. D. Sanchez, 3. J. Lucumi, 17. J. Mojica — 16. J. Lerma, 14. G. Puerta, 11. J. Arias — 10. J. Rodriguez, 25. L. Suarez, 7. L. Diaz

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

Lorenzo has settled on a consistent core throughout Colombia's World Cup campaign, making only minor changes during the group stage. After rotating a handful of players in the goalless draw with Portugal, the Colombia boss is expected to restore his strongest available XI for the knockout clash with Ghana.

Daniel Munoz should return at right-back after being rested in the final group-stage match, with Johan Mojica also expected to reclaim his place on the left side of defense. Davinson Sanchez and Jhon Lucumi have started all three World Cup matches together and are set to continue their partnership in front of goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

Jefferson Lerma and Gustavo Puerta are expected to anchor the midfield, while captain James Rodriguez may keep his place in the front three rather than in the middle trio.

Further forward, Luis Diaz is the big threat out wide, with Luis Suarez returning to spearhead the attack after Jhon Cordoba was handed the start against Portugal.

Ghana projected starting 11

(4-1-4-1, right to left): 16. B. Asare (GK) — 26. M. Senaya, 4. J. Adjetey, 18. J. Opoku, 14. G. Mensah — 5. T. Partey — 22. K. Sulemana, C. Yirenkyi, 8. K. Sibo, 11. A.  Semenyo — 9. J. Ayew

• Injured: L. Ati-Zigi (groin)
• Suspended: None

Carlos Queiroz has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Ghana's Round of 32 meeting with Colombia and is expected to name a strong side, although goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi remains out with a groin injury.

Captain Jordan Ayew should continue to lead the line, starting ahead of Prince Adu and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Ayew is likely to be supported by Antoine Semenyo and Kamaldeen Sulemana in the wide areas. Sulemana has started two of Ghana's three matches so far and could operate from the right, with Semenyo on the left.

Thomas Partey is expected to continue as the lone holding midfielder, with Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo operating in more advanced roles ahead of him. Elisha Owusu is likely to drop out from the XI that started Ghana's previous match.

Jerome Opoku is expected to return at centre-back ahead of Derrick Luckassen, partnering Jonas Adjetey, with Marvin Senaya and Gideon Mensah starting as the full-backs.

MORE: Who will win the World Cup in 2026?

Colombia vs. Ghana predictions, betting odds

Colombia topped Group K without tasting defeat and have looked one of the tournament's most balanced teams, combining defensive solidity with plenty of attacking quality.

Ghana deserve credit for reaching the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed finishers, but Queiroz's side face a significant step up in class. If Colombia perform to their usual level, they should have enough quality to book their place in the Round of 16.

• Score prediction: Colombia 2-0 Ghana

Colombia and Ghana World Cup rosters

Here are the names on Colombia's and Ghana's World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

Colombia World Cup squad

Head coach: Nestor Lorenzo

Ghana World Cup squad

Head coach: Carlos Queiroz

Where to watch Colombia vs. Ghana

In USA:

• TV channel: FOX
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: