World Cup 2026: Carlos Queiroz brushes off Colombia exit as Black Stars boss plots knockout upset

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has played down renewed scrutiny over his departure from Colombia, insisting his focus is firmly on leading the Black Stars into the World Cup last 32 rather than revisiting a controversial chapter of his coaching career.

The Portuguese tactician will face familiar opposition when Ghana meet Colombia in a high-stakes knockout clash, coming up against several players he previously coached, including captain James Rodríguez and Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz.

With Colombian media revisiting reports of tensions between Queiroz and senior members of the squad during his spell in charge, the 73-year-old was asked whether those relationships could influence Friday’s encounter. He quickly rejected the suggestion.

“I don’t have that view that you do,” Queiroz said when questioned about claims that Colombia players had disagreed with some of his decisions.

“I can say that I truly enjoyed and loved my work with the Colombian team.”

Familiar faces on the opposite side

Queiroz took charge of Colombia between 2019 and 2020, guiding the South Americans to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Copa América before leaving following heavy World Cup qualifying defeats against Uruguay and Ecuador.

Although his tenure ended under difficult circumstances, the veteran coach believes his knowledge of Colombia’s squad could offer Ghana a valuable advantage.

Many of Colombia’s expected starters featured under Queiroz, giving him first-hand knowledge of their strengths, personalities and playing styles. However, he stressed that past experiences alone would not determine the outcome.

“I know the players in Colombia quite well,” said Queiroz, who is coaching at his fifth World Cup.

“We have to study the current Colombian squad, and not what was in place at another time. Of course we are very well aware of all the qualities that these players have.”

His comments reflected a balanced approach, acknowledging his familiarity with the opposition while emphasising that Colombia have evolved since his departure.

Ghana searching for another statement win

After steering Ghana into the knockout rounds, Queiroz now faces one of his biggest tests of the tournament against a Colombian side regarded as one of South America’s strongest teams.

The experienced coach believes the contest will be decided by execution rather than reputation, insisting both sides possess quality but also vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

“Colombia are not perfect. A good team, not perfect. We are a great team, we are not perfect,” he said.

“It is going to be a great game regardless of the result.”

Queiroz also called on his players to seize the occasion and produce their best performance when it matters most.

“The Black Stars, we need to shine tomorrow.”

Knockout football leaves no room for mistakes

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, Queiroz knows Ghana must combine discipline with ambition if they are to eliminate one of the tournament favourites.

His experience of coaching Colombia provides valuable insight, but he made it clear that sentiment will play no role once the match begins. Instead, Ghana’s focus will be on imposing their own style, identifying Colombia’s weaknesses and capitalising on every opportunity.