2026 World Cup: Ghana could meet Portugal or Colombia in heavyweight knockout path

The Black Stars are on course for a potential blockbuster Round of 32 showdown against either Portugal or Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, depending on how Group L concludes.

Ghana have made a steady start to their campaign, opening with a narrow 1–0 victory over Panama before holding England to a disciplined goalless draw in their second group fixture.

The results have placed them in a strong position heading into the final round of matches.

Attention now turns to the decisive group-stage clash involving Croatia, with coach Carlos Queiroz and his side still needing a positive result to determine their final standing.

The outcome will be crucial in shaping Ghana’s route into the knockout phase and the calibre of opponent they may face.

Under the current permutations, finishing in a lower position in Group L could set up a daunting encounter with either Portugal or Colombia—two sides widely regarded as among the tournament’s most technically gifted and tactically flexible teams.

Only a top-place finish would allow Ghana to avoid one of those high-profile opponents in the first knockout round.

For the team officially known as the Ghana national football team, the stakes carry added significance.

The Black Stars are aiming to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time since their memorable run in 2010, when they came within touching distance of the semi-finals.

With confidence building after an unbeaten start, Ghana now face a defining moment in their group campaign—one that could either secure a favourable draw or send them into an early heavyweight clash on football’s biggest stage.