Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has moved to reassure fans that Ghana are fully prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even after playing just one friendly match in the build-up to the tournament.
Ghana concluded their preparations with a 1-1 draw against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium, a result that served as their only warm-up fixture under Queiroz ahead of the global showpiece.
The limited number of preparatory matches has sparked debate, but the Portuguese tactician insists readiness is shaped by more than just friendlies, pointing instead to earlier games and the intensity of training sessions as key components of the team’s build-up.
“Yes, we played one game, but it was not the only game that the team played. There were other games before that we took lessons from,” Queiroz said.
Queiroz added that every training session contributes meaningfully to a team’s development, stressing the need to maximise available opportunities.
“In terms of preparation, life is simple for us in football. One training is better than zero, two is better than one, three is better than two, and so on.”
“Two games are better than one, three are better than two.”
“Two games are better than one, three are better than two.”
He further noted that when match opportunities are limited, coaches must rely more heavily on structured work on the training ground.
“But if you only have one game, you have to take the best of that situation. We play one game, we train more. If we play more games, we train less.”
Ghana begin their Group L campaign against Panama at BMO Field, with kick-off scheduled for 23:00 GMT, in a fixture that has drawn significant attention as the Black Stars aim for a strong start to their fifth World Cup appearance.
They will then face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their group stage against Croatia on June 27, with the target of reaching the knockout phase for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010.
