Ghana World Cup Round of 32: Ghana’s FIFA World Cup journey continues after the Black Stars secured a place in the Round of 32 despite their 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L match in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 27.
Carlos Queiroz’s side now face an even bigger test as they prepare for the first knockout match of the tournament, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Here is everything you need to know about Ghana’s next World Cup assignment.
Who will Ghana face in the Round of 32?
According to FIFA, Ghana will face the winners of Group K, with either Portugal or Colombia awaiting the Black Stars.
The two nations meet later tonight to determine who finishes top of the group and earns the right to face Ghana in the knockout stage.
Portugal boast one of the tournament’s strongest squads, while Colombia have impressed with their intensity and attacking football, meaning Ghana are guaranteed another stern examination regardless of the outcome.
Ghana's potential opponents for the World Cup last 32:
Finish top of Group L: Face Senegal 🇸🇳
Finish second in Group L: Face Portugal 🇵🇹
Finish third in Group L: Face Colombia 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/ZeSHvukcZY— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) June 27, 2026
When and where is the match?
The Round of 32 encounter will take place on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Kansas City Stadium in the United States.
Like the games against England and Croatia, the knockout tie will be played on American soil, with the winner progressing to the Round of 16
Will Thomas Partey feature for Black Stars?
Yes. One of the biggest boosts for Ghana is the continued participation of assistant Black Stars captain, Thomas Partey.
The midfielder missed the Ghana 1 Panama 0 opener played in Canada because he is unable to enter the country while legal proceedings in the United Kingdom remain ongoing.
However, the Round of 32 fixture is being staged in the United States, making Partey eligible for selection once again.
His inclusion would significantly strengthen Ghana’s midfield, providing experience, composure and leadership in another big test for the four-time African champions.
Carlos Queiroz will hope the experienced midfielder can help control possession and offer defensive protection against either Portugal’s technical quality or Colombia’s energetic pressing game.
Can Ghana continue their defensive Success?
The Black Stars enter the knockout stage with growing confidence after displaying remarkable defensive organisation throughout the group phase.
Queiroz’s tactical discipline was on full display during the goalless draw with England, where Ghana frustrated one of the tournament favourites despite facing an attack that had scored freely throughout the 2025/26 club season.
Although Croatia eventually found a late winner in the final group game, Ghana again demonstrated resilience and commitment against elite opposition.
The Portuguese coach has built a compact side that defends in numbers before launching quick counter-attacks, a strategy that could once again prove effective against either Portugal or Colombia.
⏱️ Full-time in Philadelphia. A defeat in the final Group L game, focus now shifts to the Round of 32.
🇭🇷 Croatia 2️⃣-1️⃣ Ghana 🇬🇭#BlackStars | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/9Cpb4Fg1Ik
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 27, 2026
A chance to make more history
Ghana have already exceeded many pre-tournament expectations by reaching the knockout rounds, but the Black Stars will believe their journey is far from over.
The memories of the famous 2010 World Cup campaign remain fresh in the minds of Ghanaian supporters, and this current squad now has an opportunity to write its own chapter in the nation’s football history.
Whether the opponents are Portugal or Colombia, the Black Stars will head to Kansas City believing they have the tactical discipline, defensive solidity and team spirit to compete with anyone.
The Round of 32 will provide another opportunity for Carlos Queiroz’s men to show that their resurgence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is no coincidence, but the beginning of something special.
Gariba Raubil is in the United States covering the 2026 FIFA World Cup and filed this report following Ghana’s qualification for the Round of 32.
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