World Cup 2026: Portugal or Colombia Await, But Ghana Could Face Fellow Africans in Round of 32
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Ghana have already secured their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the identity of their next opponents remains uncertain as the Black Stars prepare for a decisive final Group L encounter against Croatia.
The West Africans confirmed qualification after results elsewhere ensured that their four-point haul would be sufficient to progress under FIFA’s expanded 48-team tournament format. However, Saturday’s clash with Croatia in Philadelphia will determine whether Ghana finish first, second or among the best third-placed teams, with each outcome presenting a different path through the knockout stages.
The most likely opponents for the Black Stars are either Portugal or Colombia, who are still battling for positions in Group K ahead of their final group fixture.
Should Ghana finish as runners-up in Group L, they will face the second-placed team from Group K in the Round of 32. With Portugal and Colombia both still in contention for that position, either side could stand in the way of the Black Stars in Toronto, Canada.
If Ghana end the group stage in third place but qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, they would instead take on the winners of Group K, meaning another possible showdown with either Portugal or Colombia. That fixture would be played in Kansas City, United States.
There is, however, another fascinating possibility that could see Ghana remain on familiar continental territory.
A victory over Croatia could send the Black Stars to the top of Group L, where they would be paired with one of the best third-placed teams from Groups I, J or K in Atlanta.
Such a scenario could produce an all-African Round of 32 encounter.
Senegal, currently occupying third place in Group I, remain in contention to qualify after their emphatic victory over Iraq. Algeria could also finish third in Group J and secure one of the best third-placed qualification spots, while DR Congo are still in the race to finish third in Group K. Even Portugal could unexpectedly drop into that position depending on the outcome of their decisive meeting with Colombia.
An all-African knockout clash would guarantee the continent at least one representative in the Round of 16 while adding another memorable chapter to the growing rivalry between Africa’s leading football nations on the biggest stage in world football.
Before any of those possibilities become reality, Ghana must first complete their Group L campaign against Croatia.
Although qualification has already been secured, the Black Stars still have plenty at stake. A strong performance and a positive result could significantly influence their route through the knockout rounds as they continue their quest for a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
