Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo has declared that the Black Stars are determined to finish as winners of Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team is not satisfied with simply qualifying for the knockout stages.
After producing a disciplined performance to hold England to a goalless draw on Tuesday night, Ghana head into their final group match against Croatia knowing that victory would not only secure qualification for the Round of 32 but could also see them finish at the top of the group.
The Black Stars have collected four points from their opening two matches after beginning the tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama before frustrating one of the tournament favourites, England. Those results have placed Carlos Queiroz’s men in a strong position ahead of what promises to be a decisive encounter in Philadelphia.
Despite already putting themselves within touching distance of qualification, Sibo insists the squad’s ambition stretches much further. Rather than settling for second place, the midfielder says Ghana want to end the group stage as leaders and send a strong message to the rest of the competition.
Ghana execute Queiroz’s game plan against England
The draw against England was built on discipline, organisation and teamwork, with every player carrying out the tactical instructions provided by head coach Carlos Queiroz.
England enjoyed almost 80 per cent possession during the match and spent long periods controlling the ball, but Ghana remained compact throughout the contest, denying the Three Lions space in dangerous areas and limiting their clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Speaking after the match, Sibo revealed that Queiroz had prepared the team mentally for the difficult challenge that awaited them.
“He told us to be compact. He told us to fight for each other. And he told us that, at this moment, he knows that we will suffer because we are playing against a great team. But still, we should keep our mentality tough, fight from the first minute to 90 minutes,” Sibo said.
The midfielder believes every member of the squad bought into the coach’s philosophy, allowing Ghana to produce one of their most impressive defensive displays in recent years.
“I think we listened to him and we followed his instructions and we did the job for him,” he added.
The performance earned praise from football fans and pundits around the world, including England manager Thomas Tuchel, who admitted after the game that Ghana’s physicality, organisation and defensive discipline made life extremely difficult for his side.
Team spirit continues to drive Ghana forward
One of the biggest strengths of the current Black Stars squad has been the unity within the team.
Rather than relying on individual brilliance, Ghana have worked together as a collective throughout the tournament. Every player has shown a willingness to defend, press, recover possession and support teammates whenever necessary.
That unity has become increasingly important given the number of injuries the team has suffered before and during the tournament. Several experienced players were unavailable for selection, forcing Queiroz to rely on different options, yet the squad has continued to perform at a high level.
Sibo believes that togetherness has been one of the key reasons behind Ghana’s positive start.
Against England, every player remained committed to the tactical plan from the opening whistle until the final minutes. The midfield protected the defence, the attackers tracked back whenever required, and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced another assured display between the posts.
The result was a valuable clean sheet against one of the strongest attacking teams in the competition.
Attention now turns to Croatia
With the England game behind them, Ghana’s full attention has shifted to Saturday’s crucial meeting with Croatia.
The European side revived their qualification hopes after defeating Panama in their second group match, meaning they must now beat Ghana to guarantee their place in the knockout stages. However, Sibo remains confident that the Black Stars can rise to the occasion once again.
“Now, the game against Croatia — I don’t think, I just believe that we’re going to take all three points, we want to be leaders in the group, and we are not looking back,” he said.
Those comments underline the growing confidence within the Ghana camp following their encouraging performances in the opening two matches.
Rather than feeling pressure, the players appear motivated by the opportunity to achieve something special on the world stage.
Ghana expected to show greater attacking intent
Although Ghana spent much of the England match defending, Sibo believes supporters can expect a different approach against Croatia.
England’s quality on the ball meant Ghana had to remain patient and disciplined for long spells, limiting opportunities to attack.
Despite that, the Black Stars still came close to snatching victory, with Abdul Fatawu forcing Jordan Pickford into action before Antoine Semenyo almost converted the rebound. Sibo admitted Ghana had to sacrifice attacking ambition in order to keep England under control.
“Against England, we defended a lot. We had one chance that could have given us three points. So, going against Croatia, it’s all in all, for the nation,” he explained.
Those remarks suggest Ghana may adopt a more adventurous style against Croatia, knowing that all three points would guarantee first place in the group regardless of other results.
With players such as Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew capable of hurting opponents on the counterattack, the Black Stars possess enough quality to trouble Croatia’s defence if they are given more opportunities going forward.
Queiroz continues to build belief
Much of Ghana’s improvement has been credited to head coach Carlos Queiroz, who took charge only a few months before the World Cup.
The experienced Portuguese tactician inherited a squad that many observers believed lacked confidence after inconsistent performances earlier in the year. Since arriving, Queiroz has focused on improving the team’s defensive organisation, discipline and mentality.
Ghana have conceded just one goal in two matches while collecting four valuable points, putting themselves within touching distance of the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The players have repeatedly praised Queiroz for the clarity of his instructions and the confidence he has instilled within the squad.
Sibo’s latest comments further demonstrate the strong relationship that has developed between the coach and his players.
Qualification within Ghana’s grasp
Heading into the final round of Group L fixtures, Ghana remain firmly in control of their own destiny. Victory over Croatia would secure qualification for the Round of 32 and could also see the Black Stars finish as group winners, depending on England’s result against Panama.
Even a draw may be enough to progress, but neither the players nor coaching staff appear interested in playing for a single point.
Instead, the message from inside the Ghana camp has been clear throughout the week: the objective is to win. Finishing first would not only boost confidence but could also provide a more favourable route through the knockout stages.
It would also represent another significant achievement for a squad that many outsiders underestimated before the tournament began.
Black Stars eager to keep making history
Ghana have already earned widespread praise for their performances against Panama and England, but the players believe their World Cup journey is only just beginning.
The squad has shown resilience, tactical discipline and a fighting spirit that has impressed supporters both at home and abroad.
Now, with Croatia standing between them and the knockout stages, the Black Stars have an opportunity to write another memorable chapter in Ghanaian football history.
The midfielder is convinced Ghana have what it takes to overcome Croatia, finish as Group L winners and continue their impressive campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
If the Black Stars can deliver another disciplined and determined performance on Saturday, they will not only secure their place in the Round of 32 but also announce themselves as genuine contenders capable of causing further surprises as the tournament progresses.
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