World Cup 2026: Portugal or Colombia loom, but Ghana could face fellow Africans in Round of 32

Ghana have already secured qualification for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Black Stars could still face either European or African opposition depending on where they finish in Group L.Carlos Queiroz’s side booked their place in the knockout stage after results elsewhere confirmed that four points would be enough to advance under the tournament’s expanded 48-team format.Saturday’s final group match against Croatia will now determine both Ghana’s finishing position and their next opponents.The most likely scenario sees Ghana face either Portugal or Colombia.If the Black Stars finish second in Group L, they will take on the runners-up from Group K in Toronto, Canada. Both Portugal and Colombia remain in contention for that position heading into their final group match against each other.Should Ghana finish third and still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, they would instead meet the winners of Group K, again either Portugal or Colombia, in Kansas City, United States.However, there is another possibility.If Ghana top Group L, they will be drawn against one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams from Groups I, J or K in Atlanta.That could set up an all-African Round of 32 clash.Senegal, currently third in Group I, and Algeria, who could finish third in Group J, are among the nations Ghana could face if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. DR Congo also remain in contention to finish third in Group K, while Portugal could unexpectedly slip into that position depending on the outcome of their final group game against Colombia.An all-African knockout tie would guarantee at least one representative from the continent a place in the last 16 and would add another chapter to the growing rivalry between Africa’s leading football nations on the global stage.Before any of those scenarios become reality, Ghana must first complete their Group L campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia.Although qualification is already assured, the Black Stars still have everything to play for as they seek the most favourable route through the knockout rounds of the World Cup. 



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