Carlos Queiroz has challenged the Black Stars to carry the hopes of Africa by keeping the continent’s World Cup dream alive when Ghana face Colombia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With several African nations already eliminated from the knockout stage, the Ghana coach believes his side has a chance to change the narrative and ensure Africa remains strongly represented in the competition.
South Africa bowed out after a defeat to Canada, while Ivory Coast suffered a painful 2-1 loss to Norway despite taking the lead. DR Congo also missed out after England staged a dramatic comeback to snatch victory.
Senegal endured one of the tournament’s most heartbreaking exits. They led Belgium by two goals late in the game before conceding twice, eventually losing 3-2 after extra time.
Morocco have already secured a place in the next round, leaving Ghana with the opportunity to become another African nation to progress.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Queiroz said the responsibility now rests on the Black Stars to improve Africa’s record in the knockout stages.
“It’s another challenge for us, but we have to improve these statistics. We have to make them better. So it’s on our shoulders to make sure we add another African team to the next round,” he said.
The Portuguese coach admitted Colombia will provide a tough test, having gone through the tournament unbeaten, but expressed confidence that Ghana can compete if his players remain disciplined and focused throughout the match.
The Black Stars have impressed with their defensive organisation and tactical discipline, qualities that helped them emerge from a difficult group that included England and Croatia. Queiroz, however, believes his team must also be more clinical in front of goal if they are to book a place in the Round of 16.
Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to lead by example, with Thomas Partey controlling the midfield and Antoine Semenyo providing an attacking threat as Ghana look to produce another memorable World Cup performance.
A victory over Colombia would not only secure a place in the Round of 16 but also rekindle memories of Ghana’s historic World Cup campaigns in 2006 and 2010, when the Black Stars established themselves as one of Africa’s strongest teams on the global stage.
