Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says he is relying on the inspiration, commitment and determination of his players as Ghana prepare for their biggest match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage against Croatia on Saturday.
The Portuguese tactician believes the Black Stars have shown tremendous character throughout the tournament and is confident they can produce another impressive display when they take on the 2018 World Cup finalists in a decisive Group L encounter at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
After collecting four points from their opening two matches, Ghana know they are just one positive result away from reaching the Round of 32 for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Black Stars currently sit second in the group, level on points with England but behind on goal difference, while Croatia remain one point behind after recovering from an opening defeat to beat Panama.
With qualification still up for grabs, Queiroz believes his players are mentally prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.
Ghana growing stronger under Queiroz
Since replacing Otto Addo as Ghana head coach in April, Queiroz has overseen a remarkable transformation in the Black Stars. Despite having only a short period to prepare the team before the World Cup, the experienced coach has quickly built a disciplined and organised side capable of competing against some of the world’s strongest teams.
Ghana began the tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama before earning widespread praise for a determined defensive performance in their goalless draw against England. Those two results have left the Black Stars unbeaten and, perhaps even more impressively, without conceding a single goal.
The team’s defensive discipline has become one of Ghana’s greatest strengths, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and the backline producing composed performances under constant pressure. Midfielders have also worked tirelessly to protect the defence, while the attackers have shown a willingness to press and track back whenever needed.
That collective effort has helped restore confidence among Ghanaian supporters, many of whom now believe the Black Stars are capable of enjoying a deep run at the tournament.
Coach believes players can rise to the occasion
Speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Queiroz expressed his confidence in the mentality of his squad and said he expects them to deliver another strong performance against Croatia.
“I hope that with the inspiration of my players, we can produce good football on the pitch,” he said.
The veteran coach has repeatedly praised the attitude shown by his players throughout the competition, highlighting their willingness to follow tactical instructions while maintaining belief in their own abilities.
Queiroz believes that attitude has played a major role in Ghana’s impressive start to the tournament and hopes it will once again be evident against Croatia.
His confidence comes from watching the squad grow stronger with each match, with players showing increasing understanding of his tactical philosophy and building greater chemistry on the field.
Black Stars aiming for victory, not just qualification
Although Ghana need only a draw to secure qualification for the Round of 32, Queiroz has consistently rejected suggestions that his team will play cautiously.
Instead, the Portuguese coach has made it clear that the Black Stars will approach the match with the intention of winning.
Throughout his managerial career, Queiroz has emphasised the importance of maintaining a winning mentality, regardless of the circumstances. He believes teams perform at their best when they focus on playing positively rather than protecting a particular result.
That philosophy has been evident throughout Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
Even during the draw against England, the Black Stars looked to create opportunities whenever possible despite spending long periods defending against one of the tournament favourites.
Against Croatia, Ghana are expected to show similar discipline while also attempting to create more attacking opportunities whenever space becomes available.
Croatia present another major challenge
While confidence inside the Ghana camp continues to grow, Queiroz is fully aware that Croatia possess the quality and experience to make life extremely difficult for his team.
The European nation has established itself as one of the world’s strongest tournament teams in recent years, reaching the 2018 World Cup final and following that achievement with another impressive campaign four years later.
Croatia’s experienced midfield, technical quality and tactical discipline have made them one of the most respected teams in international football. However, Ghana have already shown they can frustrate elite opposition.
Their disciplined display against England demonstrated that they possess the organisation and resilience needed to compete against technically gifted teams, and Queiroz will be hoping for another composed performance from his players.
The Ghana coach knows concentration will be essential throughout the ninety minutes, particularly against a Croatian side capable of punishing even the smallest defensive mistakes.
Defensive strength has restored belief
One of the biggest improvements under Queiroz has been Ghana’s defensive organisation. Before the World Cup, questions were raised about the team’s ability to remain compact against stronger opponents.
Those concerns have largely disappeared after the Black Stars produced consecutive clean sheets against Panama and England.
The back four have defended with confidence, the midfield has provided excellent protection, and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has stepped up with important saves whenever called upon.
That defensive stability has allowed Ghana to remain competitive in every match while giving attacking players greater confidence to look for opportunities on the counterattack.
The team’s work ethic has also impressed many observers, with every player contributing both in possession and without the ball.
Those qualities have become central to the identity Queiroz is trying to build within the national team.
Knockout stage within touching distance
Saturday’s clash represents a huge opportunity for Ghana to return to the World Cup knockout stages after a 16-year wait.
Victory over Croatia would guarantee progression and could even see the Black Stars finish as Group L winners if England fail to beat Panama in the group’s other fixture.
Finishing top of the group could provide Ghana with a more favourable route through the knockout rounds, giving the players even greater motivation to chase all three points.
Even though qualification remains the immediate objective, the performances Ghana have produced so far suggest they are capable of competing with some of the strongest teams remaining in the tournament.
For the players, coaches and millions of supporters back home, Saturday’s match is another chance to demonstrate that the Black Stars belong among the world’s elite football nations.
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