2026 World Cup: We must learn from our mistakes against Croatia - Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew ahead of knockout game

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has urged his team-mates to improve on their mistakes after booking a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars progressed to the Round of 32 despite finishing their Group L campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Croatia, a result that saw them end the group in third place.

Ghana will now face Colombia on Saturday in what will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides, as well as the Black Stars’ first World Cup knockout match since their run to the quarter-finals in 2010.

Speaking to Flashscore.com, Ayew said the defeat had not dampened spirits in the camp, but admitted there were lessons to be taken from the performance.

"It’s a World Cup game, and you want to win all your matches and keep the positivity. The result has not affected the mood, and we will learn from our mistakes," Ayew said.

The 34-year-old forward also highlighted Ghana’s struggles in possession, saying Croatia punished their errors.

"We stay positive. On to the next game. It was a weird game today. We were a bit sloppy in possession, and they capitalised on our mistake. The most important thing is for us to focus on the next game because it’s either you stay or you go home," the former Leicester City forward added.

The round of 32 fixture will be the first competitive meeting between Ghana and Colombia at any level. Kickoff is set for 01:30 GMT on Saturday, July 4th, Ghana’s first World Cup knockout match since the quarter-final defeat to Uruguay in Soweto in 2010