FIFA WC 2026: Colombia vs Ghana kick-off time, TV channel, squads
Synopsis
Unbeaten Colombia and third-placed Ghana meet for the first time ever on the World Cup stage in Kansas City on 5 July — a clash loaded with continental pride, historical baggage, and a Round of 16 berth on the line. Indian fans can stream it live on Zee5 from 7:00 AM IST.
Key Takeaways
Colombia vs Ghana kicks off at 7:00 AM IST on 5 July 2026 at Kansas City Stadium .
Colombia are unbeaten in Group K , having beaten Uzbekistan and Congo DR and drawn with Portugal.
Ghana finished third in Group L after wins over Panama, a draw with England, and a loss to Croatia.
This is the first-ever World Cup meeting between Colombia and Ghana.
Live streaming available on Zee5 ; TV telecast on Unite8 Sports 1, 1 HD, 2, and 2 HD in India.
Referee: Clement Turpin .
Colombia face Ghana in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, 5 July 2026, with kick-off set for 7:00 AM IST. It marks the first-ever World Cup meeting between the two nations, and the winner advances to the Round of 16.
Colombia: Unbeaten and hungry for more
Colombia enter this fixture as Group K winners, having gone unbeaten through the group stage — defeating Uzbekistan and Congo DR while drawing with Portugal. The South Americans are targeting a fourth Round of 16 appearance in World Cup history. Their only previous knockout encounter against African opposition ended in a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in 1990, a result they will be keen to avenge in style.
Colombia's squad is headlined by attacking talent including Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Juan Camilo Hernández, with David Ospina among the goalkeeping options. The depth across midfield — featuring Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, and Juan Fernando Quintero — gives coach significant tactical flexibility.
Ghana: Third-place finishers with a point to prove
Ghana arrive in Kansas City after finishing third in Group L, having beaten Panama, drawn with England, and lost to Croatia. The Black Stars are chasing a third Round of 16 appearance in World Cup history, though history offers a cautionary note — both previous knockout encounters against South American sides ended in defeat: against Brazil in the 2006 Round of 16 and Uruguay in the 2010 quarter-finals.
Ghana's squad features Thomas Partey anchoring midfield, with Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, and Antoine Semenyo leading the attacking line. Lawrence Ati-Zigi is among the goalkeeping options.
How to watch Colombia vs Ghana live in India
Indian viewers can catch all the action via live streaming on Zee5 (subscription required). Live telecast is available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
Key match details
Date and kick-off: Saturday, 5 July 2026, 7:00 AM IST
Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City
Referee: Clement Turpin
Full squads
Colombia: Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina, Álvaro Montero. Defenders: Johan Mojica, Devier Machado, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Willer Ditta. Midfielders: James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jorge Carrascal, Kevin Castaño, Jaminton Campaz. Forwards: Luis Díaz, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Jhon Córdoba, Juan Camilo Hernández, Jhon Arias.
Ghana: Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang. Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah. Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu. Forwards: Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew.
With Colombia's unbeaten momentum colliding with Ghana's knockout-stage ambitions, this first-ever World Cup clash between the two nations promises to be one of the more intriguing Round of 32 contests.
Point of View
But Ghana have repeatedly defied expectations on the World Cup stage — their 2010 quarter-final run remains the high-water mark for African football in the tournament. The real subplot here is Ghana's psychological hurdle: both previous knockout meetings with South American sides ended in defeat, and Colombia — with Díaz and Rodríguez in form — are a stiff test of whether that pattern holds. For Indian viewers, the early morning kick-off is the only obstacle to what should be a tactically rich encounter.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Colombia vs Ghana kick off in India?
The match kicks off at 7:00 AM IST on Saturday, 5 July 2026. It is played at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City.
Where can I watch Colombia vs Ghana live in India?
Live streaming is available on the Zee5 platform and app in India, with a subscription required. Live telecast is on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
What is at stake in Colombia vs Ghana?
The winner advances to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Colombia are seeking a fourth Round of 16 appearance; Ghana are targeting their third.
Have Colombia and Ghana met before in the World Cup?
No — this is the first-ever World Cup meeting between Colombia and Ghana. Colombia's only previous knockout tie against African opposition was a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in 1990.
Who are the key players to watch in Colombia vs Ghana?
For Colombia, Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Juan Camilo Hernández are the standout attacking names. Ghana's key players include Thomas Partey in midfield and Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, and Antoine Semenyo up front.
