World Cup 2026: Colombia in 4-3-3 with James Rodríguez against Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana in 4-1-4-1

Colombia line up in a 4-3-3 built around James Rodríguez, who features in the attacking trio alongside Luis Díaz and Jhon Córdoba. Coach Nestor Lorenzo opts for a classic four-man defence with Camilo Vargas in goal. The setup offers a balance between defensive solidity and the ability to build play through a three-man midfield made up of Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma and Gustavo Puerta.

Ghana, for their part, set up in a 4-1-4-1 under Carlos Queiroz, with Thomas Partey deployed as a defensive midfielder in front of the back line. The attack is led by Jordan Ayew, supported by an attacking midfield quartet comprising Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo. Ghana’s defensive unit features Marvin Senaya, Derrick Luckassen, Jerome Opoku and Gideon Mensah, with Lawrence Ati Zigi in goal.

This clash, played in the round of 32, promises a tactical duel between Colombian attacking creativity and Ghanaian solidity, strengthened by a cautious midfield organisation. The result will open the way to the quarter-finals, with intensity expected between two ambitious teams.

Reading Colombia’s XI

Nestor Lorenzo sets out a classic 4-3-3 formation. In goal, Camilo Vargas, number 12, is chosen to guard the net. The defensive line brings together Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí and Johan Mojica, a capable and experienced quartet. In midfield, Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma and Gustavo Puerta make up the trio, providing both defensive work and attacking transition. The attack is built around key player James Rodríguez, supported by Luis Díaz and Jhon Córdoba. This attacking setup emphasises mobility and the ability to create chances down the flanks and through the centre.

The bench offers strong alternatives including David Ospina, the former first-choice goalkeeper, Yerry Mina and Kevin Castaño, confirming an interesting depth of squad for the Colombian coach.

Reading Ghana’s XI

Carlos Queiroz lines up in a 4-1-4-1, with Thomas Partey playing a pivotal holding role in front of the defence. Lawrence Ati Zigi is the starting goalkeeper. The defence relies on Marvin Senaya, Derrick Luckassen, Jerome Opoku and Gideon Mensah, a line focused on stability and the ability to play out cleanly. The four-man attacking midfield includes Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo, tasked with supplying lone striker Jordan Ayew, the main attacking reference for the Ghanaian side. This system favours a compact block and an organisation designed to contain opposing attacks while exploiting space on the counter-attack.

Ghana’s bench includes Benjamin Asare in goal, as well as players such as Rahman Baba and Kamaldeen Sulemana, highlighting the varied tactical options available to Queiroz.