KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City is one step closer to a dream quarterfinal match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Colombia played like the heavy favorite and held off Ghana, 1-0, in a round of 32 knockout game at a charged Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium Friday night.

The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match. The goal came in the 14th minute and Colombia remained the aggressor until the end.

Ghana did not record a shot on goal. The expected goals favored Colombia 2.15-.27.

The outcome, coupled with a result in the previous game, keeps alive the potential for a Colombia-Argentina quarterfinal here next Saturday, July 11.

Defending champion Argentina survived an upset bid by World Cup darling Cape Verde, 3-2, earlier Friday and next takes on Egypt Tuesday in a round of 16 game at Atlanta.

Colombia’s next task is Switzerland in Vancouver, Canada, also on Tuesday. The winners of the two round of 16 matches come to Kansas City for a quarterfinal.

All games at Arrowhead have played to capacity, 69,045 — and that was the case Friday, or close to it. If it’s an All-South America quarterfinal next weekend, the demand for tickets for two of the biggest fan bases at this World Cup will be among the greatest of the tournament.

Colombia’s goal wasn’t perfectly executed, but it was delivered with emphasis. Luis Suarez’s first pass near the back line was blocked back to him. His second attempt rifled across the box, just over a defender’s head and onto the foot of Jhon Arias near the back post.

The 14th-minute goal touched off a wild celebration by the yellow-clad Colombia fans.

It had already been an active opening few minutes for both players involved in the scoring. Suarez entered the game at the eight-minute mark, subbing on for an injured Jhon Cordoba. Arias had just received a yellow card after sticking out his leg to slow a Ghana attacker.

The Colombia margin would have been larger but for the brilliant play of Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, who twice came up with two-handed saves to prevent goals.

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