Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has set his sights firmly on a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that progression beyond the group stage must be the team’s minimum target.
His comments came after Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales in a friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.
The game remained goalless at halftime before Ghana broke through in the 66th minute through youngster Caleb Yirenkyi. However, victory slipped away late on when Lewis Koumas struck two minutes from time to rescue a draw for the hosts.
Reflecting on Ghana’s recent struggles at major tournaments—including group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022—Queiroz was unequivocal about the standard expected going forward.
“We have to guarantee to qualify for the second round [2026 World Cup]. That is the main goal of our team and our main priority, and we have to focus on that goal.
“And when you qualify for the second round, the show starts. Because everything is for the winner, nothing is for the loser. The real World Cup starts from the knockout stages, and we want to be there,” Queiroz added.
Ghana will wrap up their preparations for the tournament with a friendly against Jamaica on June 10 before heading to North America for the finals.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Their campaign begins against Panama at BMO Field on June 17, followed by a clash with England six days later and a final group match against Croatia on June 27.
Ghana, who last reached the World Cup knockout stage in 2010, will be aiming to end a 16-year wait for another deep run on football’s biggest stage.
