Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz states that the “real World Cup starts now” as Ghana prepares for their crucial Round of 32 match against Colombia at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday.

The experienced Portuguese coach, who succeeded Otto Addo in April 2026, believes his extensive knockout-stage experience will be invaluable as the Black Stars pursue a place in the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010.

“I’m fully ready. I have been in this situation [knockout football] a couple of times,” Queiroz said.

“The real World Cup starts now. These are the games that count and matter.”

Queiroz has led three different nations at four FIFA World Cups—Portugal (2010), Iran (2014 and 2018), and Egypt (2022)—making him one of the tournament’s most experienced coaches.

Since taking charge, the 73-year-old has strengthened Ghana’s defensive organization and tactical discipline. The Black Stars conceded only two goals in the group stage, establishing a strong foundation for the knockout rounds.

Ghana will face an unbeaten Colombia team that led Group K and features one of the tournament’s most formidable attacking line-ups.

Despite the challenge, Queiroz remains confident, emphasizing that the group stage is behind them and the focus is now on performing in the knockout round. Ghana aims to make history against Colombia, with kick-off set for 01:30 GMT on Saturday.rday.