Ghana have continued their preparations for Friday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Colombia after holding another intensive training session at Bryant University.
The Black Stars are building towards the knockout fixture at Kansas City Stadium, where both sides will compete for a place in the Round of 16. Head coach Carlos Queiroz oversaw Tuesday’s session, with players taking part in tactical drills and match-specific exercises as the team refined its plans for the encounter.
The latest workout formed part of Ghana’s final preparations before the squad leaves Rhode Island on Wednesday. The team will then travel to Kansas City, where they will complete the last stage of training ahead of the decisive contest.
Friday’s match represents an important milestone for both nations as they begin the knockout phase of the tournament. With progression now dependent on a single result, the winning side will move into the last 16, while the defeated team will see its World Cup campaign come to an end.
Ghana secured qualification for the Round of 32 after finishing third in Group L with four points. Their campaign included a victory over Panama, a draw against England and a narrow defeat to Croatia, a combination of results that proved enough to extend their stay in the competition.
Having advanced from a challenging group, the Black Stars are now aiming to build on that momentum when they face one of the tournament’s in-form teams.
Colombia arrive in the knockout stage after topping Group K with seven points. The South American side remained unbeaten throughout the group phase, producing a consistent run of performances to finish at the summit of their section and earn a place in the Round of 32.
With both teams having successfully navigated the opening stage of the competition, Friday’s fixture will determine which nation progresses to the next round.
For Ghana, the match also carries additional significance. Victory would see the Black Stars reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since the 2010 tournament, marking another landmark achievement for the national side.
Colombia, meanwhile, will be seeking to extend their impressive run after emerging from the group stage without suffering defeat. Their unbeaten record underlines the challenge awaiting Ghana as the two sides prepare to meet in Kansas City.
The Black Stars’ preparations have centred on tactical work designed specifically for the contest, with Carlos Queiroz ensuring his squad is fully focused ahead of the winner-takes-all encounter.
After departing Rhode Island, Ghana’s final training sessions will take place in Kansas City before attention turns fully to Friday’s showdown.
Kick-off is scheduled for Friday, 3 July, at Kansas City Stadium, where a place in the Round of 16 will be on the line as Ghana and Colombia battle for progression in the FIFA World Cup.
