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Colombia qualify for World Cup last 32 as England left waiting after Ghana draw

Colombia beat DR Congo to reach World Cup last 32; England draw with Ghana leaves qualification uncertain.

Sport

Colombia qualify for World Cup last 32 as England left waiting after Ghana draw

Daniel Munoz's deflected strike was enough for Colombia to beat DR Congo and secure their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The Crystal Palace full-back's goal, which took a wicked deflection, proved decisive as Colombia booked their spot in the last 32 with one game to spare.

England, meanwhile, failed to join them after being held to a frustrating draw by Ghana in Boston. Thomas Tuchel's side needed a second straight win in Group L to confirm their place in the knockout phase, but instead left with only a point. The result means England's final ranking in Group L is still to be determined, with their fate hanging on the final round of fixtures.

Colombia beat DR Congo to reach World Cup last 32; England draw with Ghana leaves qualification uncertain.

The game was not without controversy. Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz was involved in a furious X-rated row with Jude Bellingham at half-time, later blaming the England midfielder. Queiroz was also left bemused after a risky challenge by Ezri Konsa on Prince Kwabena Adu went unpunished, with the Ghana boss claiming: "VAR went for a coffee!"

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England also have fresh injury concerns after Declan Rice was spotted limping after the match. The Arsenal midfielder has spoken openly about his ongoing fitness struggles since arriving at the World Cup camp.

Colombia's victory means they join the growing list of teams through to the last 32, while England must now wait to see if they can secure their spot in the expanded 48-team tournament's knockout phase.

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