Carlos Bacca backs Colombia to overcome Ghana in 2026 World Cup knockout tie
Former Colombia and AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca believes Colombia have the quality and experience to beat Ghana when the two sides meet in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
The South Americans topped Group K to set up a knockout meeting with Ghana, who finished third in their group after losing to Croatia in Philadelphia last Saturday.
Both teams arrived in Kansas on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s match, which will decide who progresses to the next stage of the tournament.
Bacca, who was part of the Colombia side that reached the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup, says the current squad has found the right balance between youthful energy and experienced leadership.
He believes Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz will be central to Colombia’s hopes.
“Things are working out well for us,” Bacca told FIFA.
“We’ve got a great squad with lofty ambitions and the hunger to do well. We have a top coach in Nestor Lorenzo, who featured at the World Cup during his playing days and has also taken his place in the dugout at the tournament.
“He has been involved in the national-team set-up for a number of years, having served as Jose Pekerman’s assistant.
“He has assembled a squad with experienced players who still bring something to the table, with the likes of James Rodriguez, David Ospina, Davinson Sanchez and Santiago Arias.”
“Those players form the foundations on which he has built a side that revolves around our main man: Luis Diaz.”
Colombia will go into the tie as favourites after an impressive group-stage campaign, but Ghana will hope to respond after their disappointing defeat to Croatia.
The Black Stars have reached the World Cup quarter-finals before, in 2010, and will be aiming to produce another memorable knockout performance against one of South America’s most in-form sides.
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