Black Stars of Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has said he and his players are dreaming of a successful outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Queiroz announced his official squad for this year’s tournament which will see the Black Stars take on England, Croatia and Panama in Group L.
Speaking after the release of the squad, Queiroz said his players are ready to die for the shirt.
“My message is positive — a message of hope. We dream of success at this World Cup, bringing joy and happiness to the people,” the Portuguese was quoted on ghanafa.org.
“But I must also deliver a realistic message. Football is a game of opinions. That’s the beauty of it. All opinions are valid. Debate, even conflict, is welcome — it keeps the fire burning. It drives us to be better, to grow, to be champions.
“For us coaches, it’s about inclusion. Exclusion is for commentators, press, fans. They can enjoy talking about exclusion. My job is inclusion.
“They give me 26 players, but I have 29 in my head. The rule is 36. Today I decide 26. Tomorrow, in different circumstances, we make different decisions. That’s why the game is beautiful — everything is possible, realistic and fantasy at the same time.
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“So: enjoy, but trust. These 26, 27 players are, under these circumstances, the ones I believe are ready as a team to perform better. I can’t pick 10 goalkeepers or 12 wingers, even if they’re the best. We need balance, harmony. Leadership isn’t about popular or comfortable decisions.
“It’s about making the right decisions. And I trust this group. Goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders — together, you see something solid. For different games, different moments, we have all the solutions.”
At the Qatar 2022 World Cup the Black Stars failed to make it out of the group stage after recording one win (3-2 win against South Korea) and two defeats (3-2 loss to Portugal and 2-0 loss to Uruguay).
Their best performance at the World Cup was in 2010 in South Africa where they reached the quarterfinals before losing on penalties to Uruguay.
By James Agberebi
