The countdown is over. Ghana’s World Cup journey begins against Panama in Toronto, and despite concerns over limited preparation and uncertainty surrounding key midfielder Thomas Partey, Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz remains calm. His belief is simple: football is decided on the pitch, and he trusts the players in front of him.
With just one friendly match under his leadership, questions have followed Queiroz throughout the build-up to the tournament. Ghana’s final warm-up ended in a 1-1 draw against Wales in Cardiff, a result that offered useful lessons but left some wondering whether the Black Stars had enough match practice before stepping onto football’s biggest stage.
Queiroz, however, sees preparation differently. For the veteran coach, readiness is not measured by the number of friendlies alone.
“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,” he explained during his pre-match press conference.
The Portuguese coach believes every training session carries value. “One training is better than zero, two is better than one, three is better than two,” he said. “Two games are better than one, three are better than two.”
His comments reflect a pragmatic approach shaped by four decades in football. With little time between his appointment and the tournament, Queiroz has focused on maximising every available moment on the training ground rather than dwelling on what Ghana lacked.
That experience will be tested immediately. Group L features England, Croatia and Panama, making it one of the most demanding groups in the competition. A positive result against Panama could transform the mood around Ghana’s campaign before the tougher tests ahead.
Adding to the challenge has been uncertainty surrounding Partey. The midfielder remains unavailable for the Panama due to visa complications linked to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Yet Queiroz has refused to allow the situation to dominate preparations. “We have our plan settled, we are in this moment counting with all the 26 players that we have in the squad,” he said.
The coach was equally firm when asked to elaborate further. “My business it is to play with the cards that I have in front of me,” he stated. “We are waiting for a decision, when the decision comes we are ready to make the final approach to the game.”
Beyond tactics and team selection, Queiroz is leaning on something less tangible, belief. The former Portugal, Iran and Egypt coach knows World Cups are rarely won on paper.
“The final outcome of football is always a mystery,” he said. “There is no formula that gives you success in football.”
His confidence rests with the players. “After all these years, to be honest with you, I have a strong belief that this is a game of players. The moment we start the game, I count on my players and they are ready for that.”
Now Ghana must prove their coach right.
