World Cup 2026: Ghana must carry Africa’s hope against Colombia – Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has described it as the country’s “duty” to ensure at least one African team reaches the World Cup round of 16 following a series of knockout-stage exits for the continent’s representatives.

The experienced Portuguese tactician, currently at his fifth consecutive World Cup, guided Ghana into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed sides after a group phase that saw nine of Africa’s ten entrants advance from the opening round of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

But only Morocco have progressed further, with Senegal, Ivory Coast and DR Congo all eliminated in the knockout phase, leaving Ghana and a few others carrying Africa’s remaining hopes.

“We have to improve these statistics tomorrow,” Queiroz said ahead of Friday’s clash against Colombia in Kansas City. “We have to make it better. So it is on our shoulders to be sure that we add another African team to the next round. That’s our duty.”

Queiroz, who previously managed Colombia, praised the spirit within his squad and insisted they would fight until the final whistle.

“This is in the DNA of these boys in Ghana,” he said. “There’s nothing that you can build or buy. It is something that is in their blood. They are great fighters, and I’m very proud to be their coach.”

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew reflected on the country’s historic run to the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa, describing it as a benchmark the current team hopes to emulate.

“It was amazing,” he said. “Those are the moments we want to bring back to our country.”

Looking ahead to the showdown with Colombia, Ayew insisted Ghana are not intimidated by higher-ranked opposition.

“In football, every game is 50-50,” he said. “Tomorrow will be another tight game. We will do our best, put on a show, and see what happens. What I can guarantee is that we will make Africa and Ghana proud.”