Carlos Queiroz: Ghana must leave the World Cup with pride and honour

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has outlined his vision for success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that Ghana’s campaign should ultimately be measured by the pride and reputation the team leaves behind rather than by specific targets.

The experienced coach made the remarks while speaking to the media ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales on Tuesday, June 2.

Focus on One Game at a Time

Queiroz stressed that his approach has always been to focus on the next match rather than setting long-term objectives or making predictions about how far a team can progress in a tournament.

The Portuguese tactician explained that both he and his players are concentrating on taking each challenge as it comes.

“Look, I don’t want to speculate with those standards, those goals. I want to say one thing that in my life it is always simple. I play one game each time. My players, they want to play one game each time and win another time and win another time.

“If we are able to reach the Cup, we are going to be full of joy and full of happiness.”

Raising Ghana’s Reputation

While avoiding specific expectations, Queiroz made it clear that he wants Ghana to leave the World Cup with its reputation enhanced on the global stage.

According to the coach, true success will be determined by how the Black Stars represent the nation and whether they elevate the country’s standing in world football.

“But the success is to go there and be sure that when we finish our journey, the pride and the honour and the prestige of the country, the reputation of the country will be higher than ever. Higher than ever.

“And only the people can judge that.”

Results Will Be the Ultimate Measure

Queiroz also acknowledged that he understands the expectations that come with leading one of Africa’s biggest football nations and welcomed being judged on results rather than reputation.

The former Portugal, Iran and Egypt coach emphasised that delivering positive outcomes for Ghana remains his primary objective.

“Of course, I don’t want you to judge me for my personal qualities. I am here for you to judge me by my results. And that’s what I want to try to bring for the team.”

As Ghana continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Queiroz’s message reflects a blend of ambition and realism, with the Black Stars focused on building momentum ahead of the tournament while striving to make the nation proud on football’s biggest stage.

At the World Cup, Ghana is in Group L that has Panama, England, and Croatia.