2026 World Cup: We will have to be ready against Colombia - Ghana captain Jordan Ayew

Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has expressed confidence that Ghana are well prepared tactically to face Colombia in their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The two teams meet on Saturday at the Kansas City Stadium, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

Ghana advanced to the knockout stage after a demanding group campaign, which ended with a narrow 2–1 defeat to Croatia.

Despite criticism around the team’s approach during the group phase, Ayew insists the focus has now shifted firmly to the decisive nature of knockout football.

Speaking ahead of the game, the experienced forward stressed the importance of treating the previous result as a separate case.

​“The Croatia game was a one-off game, so let’s take it like that. But the Colombia game is a knockout game, so it’s gonna be totally different. We will have to be ready for that challenge."

Colombia head into the encounter as favourites following an impressive group-stage run, with their aggressive pressing style expected to test Ghana’s defensive structure.

Several African teams, including South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal, have already exited the competition at this stage, increasing the pressure on Ghana to keep the continent’s hopes alive alongside Morocco.

However, Ayew remains upbeat about the team’s preparation under head coach Carlos Queiroz.

​"Colombia is a top side, and it’s going to be a difficult game, but I’m confident about the tactics the manager has told us, and I think we will be ready for that challenge, so there is no problem about that.”

Ghana, who last reached the World Cup knockout phase in 2010 en route to their historic quarter-final run in South Africa, will be aiming to produce another memorable performance.

Kick-off is set for 01:30 GMT.