Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has inspired Ghanaians with a rallying message of hope and optimism as the Black Stars gear up to shine on football’s grandest stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time African champions have punched their ticket to the expanded tournament, set to unfold across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and are determined to leave a lasting mark on the world stage.

Ghana find themselves in Group L, facing formidable opponents England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars will kick off their quest against Panama, then battle England and Croatia in high-stakes group clashes.

Ahead of the tournament, Queiroz expressed his unwavering faith in the team’s potential while keeping expectations grounded in reality.

“My message is one of hope and positivity. We dream of achieving success at this World Cup and bringing joy and happiness to the people of Ghana. At the same time, we must remain realistic. Football is a game of opinions, and that is part of its beauty. Everyone is entitled to their views. Debate and differing opinions are healthy because they push us to improve, grow, and strive for excellence,” he said.

The Portuguese coach also underscored his commitment to unity and inclusiveness as the foundation of the national team’s spirit.

“As coaches, our responsibility is inclusion. Discussions about who should be left out belong to fans, commentators, and the media. They can debate exclusions, but my job is to bring players together and build a team,” Queiroz added.

The Black Stars will wrap up their preparations with a high-profile friendly against Wales on June 2, giving Queiroz a final opportunity to fine-tune his squad before the tournament begins.

Ghana is set for its fifth World Cup adventure, having previously appeared in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their unforgettable 2010 run in South Africa saw the Black Stars reach the quarter-finals, just a penalty shootout away from making history as Africa’s first semi-finalists.