2026 World Cup: We must stay focused against Colombia - Ghana skipper Jordan Ayew

Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has called on his teammates to show greater efficiency in front of goal as they prepare for their Round of 32 clash with Colombia, warning that the knockout stage offers “no second chance”.

The Ghana forward delivered the message in the aftermath of the defeat to Croatia, stressing the need for full concentration as the stakes rise.

“I have told the guys that we need to stay focused, do our best, because the next game will be different, no second chance,” he told Flashscore.com.

Ghana progressed to the last 32 after finishing third in Group L, picking up a win over Panama, a draw against England and a defeat to Croatia. Their opponents, Colombia, arrive in strong form after topping Group K unbeaten with seven points.

Saturday’s meeting will be the first competitive encounter between the two nations at any level, with kick-off set for 01:30 GMT on Saturday, 4 July.

It also marks Ghana’s return to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since their famous run to the quarter-finals in 2010, when they came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals.

The Black Stars now have another opportunity to write a new chapter in their tournament history and keep African hopes alive on the global stage.