World Cup 2026: Carlos Queiroz accepts Ghana were beaten by a better Colombia team

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has admitted the Black Stars were beaten by the better team after their 1-0 defeat to Colombia brought an end to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The Black Stars struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the Round of 32 contest in Kansas City on Saturday, with Colombia controlling large spells of the match before securing a deserved place in the last 16.

Carlos Queiroz acknowledged that his side were second best on the day.

“They controlled much better the game,” Queiroz said. “The passing, the movements, and doing that, they damaged our fitness and our ability to recover the ball and try to go forward.

“We tried to go forward, tried to create opportunities, but for any reason, the last pass, the last service, was not with the quality that was necessary in this case. So, I think the best team won.”

Arias strike proves decisive

Colombia made the breakthrough in the 14th minute when Jhon Arias met a precise cross from substitute Luis Suarez to score what proved to be the only goal of the match.

Suarez had been introduced just minutes earlier after Jhon Cordoba was forced off with an apparent groin injury. The substitute immediately made an impact, delivering a pinpoint ball to the back post where Arias had escaped his marker before calmly finishing beyond Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

The goal came shortly after Ghana had suffered an injury setback of their own, with right-back Marvin Senaya limping off with a hamstring problem in the 13th minute.

Despite Ati-Zigi producing several important saves to keep Ghana in the contest, the Black Stars failed to register a shot on target as Colombia’s organised back line comfortably protected its advantage.

Colombia march on as Ghana exit

Backed by a sea of yellow inside the Kansas City stadium, Colombia looked at home as thousands of supporters created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the match.

The victory extended Nestor Lorenzo’s unbeaten run at the tournament after topping Group K ahead of Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo.

Colombia now advance to the last 16, where they will face Switzerland in Vancouver, while Ghana head home after their World Cup journey ended at the first knockout hurdle.