Ghana national team head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has challenged his players to seize the opportunity before them and carve their own place in the nation’s football history as the Black Stars prepare for their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.
The experienced Portuguese tactician delivered the inspiring message during a team-building quiz session focused on Ghana’s World Cup history.
Players were split into two groups and tested on various aspects of the Black Stars’ previous appearances at football’s biggest tournament, with the exercise designed to reconnect the squad with the achievements of those who came before them.
As Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Queiroz reminded his players that while past accomplishments deserve recognition, their focus must now be on creating new memories for future generations.
Addressing the squad, the former Portugal and Iran coach urged the players to embrace the challenge ahead and make their own contribution to the country’s football story. “Today was all about the history of Ghanaian World Cups,” Queiroz told the players. “Everything that we talked here today is history. So now, we are here together to make history for Ghana.”
The message comes at a crucial stage of Ghana’s preparations for the expanded global tournament, where the Black Stars will be seeking to replicate and surpass some of the greatest moments in the nation’s football history.
A Responsibility On and Off the Pitch
Queiroz also stressed the influence national team players have on young supporters across the country, reminding the squad that representing Ghana extends beyond performances on the field alone.
The 73-year-old highlighted the responsibility carried by players whose names and numbers are proudly worn by children throughout Ghana. “So, remember our responsibility. When kids in Ghana start to put a shirt with your number, it’s a great responsibility for you. When you sleep today, think about that,” he said.
The coach emphasized that every action, both on and off the pitch, contributes to the image of the national team and can inspire the next generation of footballers.
His remarks reflected a broader theme that has characterized his early tenure with the Black Stars; accountability, discipline and a commitment to building a lasting legacy.
Creating a New Chapter in Ghana’s History
While the quiz session focused on the achievements of former Black Stars squads, Queiroz made it clear that the current generation has the chance to ensure future players speak about them in the same way.
Ghana’s greatest World Cup achievement remains the quarter-final appearance at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where the Black Stars came within a penalty kick of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals before Morocco eventually stole that record in Qatar.
Queiroz challenged his players to produce performances that will be remembered long after the tournament ends.
“These guys that built this history behind us, it’s just a message to us. We have the opportunity in the next World Cup that other guys also talk about you. So, let’s do it. Let’s put our names, your names, your efforts in the history of Ghana.”
Carlos Queiroz
The motivational speech was met with enthusiasm from players as preparations intensified ahead of the tournament.
Experienced Coach Targets Historic Run
Queiroz was appointed Ghana head coach in late April on a short-term deal that runs through the World Cup. His contract reportedly includes an automatic two-year extension should he guide the Black Stars to at least the quarter-finals.
The Portuguese manager brings a wealth of tournament experience to the role, having participated in four previous FIFA World Cups. He led Portugal at the 2010 tournament before taking Iran to three consecutive editions in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Ghana will be hoping that experience can help erase memories of disappointing recent campaigns. The Black Stars exited at the group stage in both Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, finishing bottom of their groups on each occasion.
The team’s quest to make history once again begins on June 17 against Panama. Ghana will then face England six days later at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough before concluding their Group stage campaign against Croatia.
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