I only know how to play to win, and that’s what we will do against Croatia – Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has made it clear that his side will not adopt a cautious approach when they face Croatia in their final Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite knowing that avoiding defeat would be enough to secure a place in the Round of 32.

The experienced Portuguese tactician insists the Black Stars will remain faithful to their attacking philosophy and will take to the field with the sole intention of winning the match rather than settling for a draw.

The Black Stars head into the decisive encounter against the 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists in a strong position after collecting four points from their opening two matches. Ghana began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama before producing one of the tournament’s most disciplined defensive performances to hold England to a goalless draw.

Those results have left Ghana in control of their own destiny and within touching distance of a return to the knockout stages for the first time since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Ghana Refuse to Play for a Draw

Although many teams in Ghana’s position might be tempted to adopt a conservative game plan to protect the point they need, Queiroz has firmly rejected that idea. The former Portugal, Iran and Egypt coach believes his players should always approach matches with a winning mentality, regardless of the circumstances or what the qualification mathematics suggest.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s crucial fixture, the veteran coach stressed that he has never believed in playing simply to avoid defeat.

“A lot of talk about attack and defence, but I only know how to play to win, and that’s what we will do against Croatia,” Queiroz said.

His comments underline the confidence that has grown within the Ghana camp since he took charge of the national team earlier this year. Under his leadership, the Black Stars have looked well organised, disciplined and difficult to break down, while also carrying enough attacking threat to trouble opponents whenever opportunities arise.

Strong Start Has Boosted Confidence

Ghana’s performances in their first two matches have generated renewed optimism among supporters after a difficult period before the tournament. The victory over Panama gave the Black Stars the perfect start to their World Cup campaign, while the impressive draw against England demonstrated that they are capable of competing with some of the world’s strongest teams.

Against England, Ghana spent long periods without the ball but defended with outstanding discipline and organisation. The backline remained compact throughout the contest, while the midfield worked tirelessly to limit space for England’s creative players. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare also produced another composed display, helping Ghana secure consecutive clean sheets at the tournament.

Those performances have earned praise from football fans and pundits alike, with many highlighting the tactical discipline introduced by Queiroz in a relatively short period since his appointment.

Croatia Present Another Tough Test

Despite Ghana’s encouraging start, Queiroz knows his players face another demanding challenge against a Croatia side fighting to keep their own World Cup hopes alive. The European nation responded to an opening defeat by beating Panama and now need victory to have the best chance of progressing to the knockout rounds.

Croatia possess several experienced players who have competed at the highest level of international football, including members of the squad that reached the 2018 World Cup final. Their technical quality, tactical discipline and experience make them one of the strongest teams in the group despite their mixed results so far.

Queiroz has repeatedly acknowledged Croatia’s quality in the build-up to the match but believes his own players are mentally prepared for the challenge that awaits them.

Qualification Still the Main Objective

While Ghana could progress with a draw, victory would remove any uncertainty and could even see the Black Stars finish top of Group L, depending on the result between England and Panama. Finishing first could also provide a more favourable route in the knockout stages, making all three points an attractive target.

Queiroz has consistently reminded his squad that qualification remains the team’s primary objective, but he also wants his players to continue showing the courage and ambition that have characterised their performances throughout the tournament.

Rather than allowing the pressure of the occasion to affect his team’s mindset, the Portuguese coach wants Ghana to focus on executing their game plan, maintaining their defensive discipline and taking advantage of opportunities in attack whenever they arise.

Black Stars Chasing Knockout Return

The Black Stars are hoping to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010. That campaign remains one of the greatest achievements in Ghanaian football history, and this current squad now has the opportunity to write a new chapter by progressing beyond the group stage once again.

The players have shown impressive unity throughout the competition, with senior figures leading by example and younger members of the squad embracing the responsibility of representing the nation on football’s biggest stage. The team’s collective work ethic and tactical discipline have become defining features of Ghana’s campaign under Queiroz.

Supporters back home will be hoping the Black Stars can build on their positive start and produce another determined display against Croatia to secure qualification.

Eyes Fixed on Victory

Although the mathematics suggest that a draw would be enough, Queiroz has made it abundantly clear that his players will not enter the match with a defensive mentality or look to protect a single point from the opening whistle.

Instead, the Ghana coach wants his team to play with confidence, courage and belief, trusting the system that has already delivered encouraging results against Panama and England.

If the Black Stars can combine their defensive organisation with greater attacking sharpness, they will believe they have every chance of defeating Croatia and advancing to the Round of 32 with momentum firmly on their side.

For Queiroz, the objective remains simple. Ghana are not travelling to Philadelphia to avoid defeat. They are going there to win.