Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has delivered encouraging news ahead of the Black Stars’ biggest match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that almost his entire squad is available for selection for the Round of 16 clash against Colombia.
The Black Stars will face the South American giants at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday in a high-stakes knockout encounter, with a coveted place in the quarter-finals on the line.
After navigating a challenging group-stage campaign, Ghana now enters the knockout rounds with renewed confidence, and Queiroz has received a significant boost with the return of almost all his players to full fitness.
The experienced Portuguese coach confirmed during his pre-match press conference that only one member of his 26-man squad will miss the encounter, giving him the luxury of selecting from an almost fully fit group for one of the most important matches of Ghana’s recent football history.
Only one player unavailable
Speaking to journalists ahead of the knockout fixture, Queiroz revealed that the squad’s injury situation has improved considerably.
“Regarding injuries, 25 players are ready to play against Colombia. The only player who did not recover in time is Kojo Oppong Peprah,” he said.
The update means the Ghana coach will have almost every key player available as the Black Stars attempt to book their place in the quarter-finals for only the second time in the country’s World Cup history.
Having a near-complete squad is particularly important at this stage of the tournament, where squad depth can often prove decisive.
With the possibility of extra time and penalties, coaches value having multiple tactical options available throughout the match.
Kojo Oppong Peprah misses out
The only player unavailable for selection is defender Kojo Oppong Peprah. The 22-year-old, who plays his club football for French side OGC Nice, failed to recover from the injury he sustained during training.
His absence is unfortunate, especially considering the important role he played during Ghana’s group-stage campaign.
Oppong Peprah featured against both England and Croatia, producing composed defensive displays that demonstrated his growing maturity on the international stage.
His pace, positioning and calmness in possession provided Ghana with valuable defensive balance throughout the tournament.
Medical staff worked to help him recover in time for the Colombia encounter, but ultimately the defender was unable to regain full fitness before the match.
Although disappointed to miss such an important occasion, Oppong Peprah is expected to continue supporting his teammates from the sidelines.
Strong defensive options remain
Despite losing Oppong Peprah, Ghana still possess considerable strength in defence. Queiroz has several experienced defenders available, allowing him to maintain the defensive organisation that has become one of the team’s biggest strengths during the World Cup.
Jerome Opoku is expected to return after recovering from the minor injury that caused him to miss the final group match against Croatia.
Jonas Adjetey has emerged as one of Ghana’s standout performers, impressing with his composure, aerial ability and intelligent positioning throughout the tournament.
Marvin Senaya has also enjoyed an outstanding World Cup, earning widespread praise for his performances at right-back, including recognition in several group-stage Best XI selections.
Derrick Luckassen, who scored on his World Cup debut against Croatia, also provides another experienced option at the heart of the defence.
Together, those defenders give Queiroz multiple combinations capable of dealing with Colombia’s dangerous attack.
Fitness boost arrives at perfect time
The positive injury update could hardly have come at a better moment for Ghana. Knockout football demands maximum physical and mental preparation.
Every match now carries elimination consequences, meaning coaches want as many players available as possible. Having 25 players fit provides Queiroz with greater tactical flexibility.
He can adapt his starting lineup depending on Colombia’s strengths while also knowing he has quality players available on the bench if the game changes.
The Black Stars coaching staff have repeatedly stressed the importance of competition for places within the squad. Now, almost every player has the opportunity to contribute during the knockout stage.
Confidence growing inside Ghana camp
The injury news adds to the growing optimism surrounding the Black Stars ahead of the Colombia encounter. Although Ghana finished third in Group L after defeat to Croatia, they had already secured qualification thanks to earlier results.
Victories over Panama and a disciplined draw against England demonstrated the team’s ability to compete with quality opposition.
Throughout the tournament, Queiroz has transformed Ghana into one of the competition’s most organised teams.
The Black Stars conceded only two goals during the group stage despite facing strong attacking opponents. That defensive discipline will once again be essential against Colombia.
Colombia present formidable challenge
Standing between Ghana and the quarter-finals is one of the tournament’s strongest teams. Colombia progressed through Group K unbeaten, finishing above Portugal after producing several impressive performances. The South Americans possess technical quality, pace and creativity across the pitch.
Their attacking players have consistently troubled opposing defences, while their midfield combines physicality with intelligent passing. Queiroz has previously coached Colombia and knows many members of the squad well.
However, he has repeatedly insisted his preparations have focused on the current Colombia team rather than relying on memories from his own time in charge.
The Ghana coach believes every opponent has weaknesses. With a fully prepared squad available, he hopes the Black Stars can exploit those opportunities.
Knockout football demands perfection
Queiroz has consistently reminded his players that knockout football is completely different from the group stage. There are no second chances.
Every mistake could end a nation’s World Cup dream. That is why having almost every player available is such an important advantage.
Fresh legs could become decisive if the match extends into extra time. Likewise, experienced substitutes may prove crucial if Ghana need to change tactics during the contest.
The Portuguese coach has managed at multiple World Cups and understands how important squad depth becomes during the latter stages of the tournament.
Historic opportunity awaits
Ghana now stand just one victory away from reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in history.
The Black Stars famously reached the last eight during the 2010 tournament in South Africa before suffering a heartbreaking elimination against Uruguay.
That campaign remains one of the greatest achievements in Ghanaian football. Now, sixteen years later, a new generation has the opportunity to create its own history.
Several players have spoken about their desire to inspire supporters back home while honouring those who represented Ghana on previous World Cup stages. Queiroz has repeatedly emphasised that belief, discipline and teamwork will be more important than reputation.
All eyes on Kansas City
With 25 players available for selection, Queiroz has almost every option at his disposal as he finalises his plans for Colombia.
Only Kojo Oppong Peprah will miss the contest, while the remainder of the squad enters the match fully focused on securing one of the biggest victories in recent Ghanaian football history.
Kick-off is scheduled for 01:30 GMT on Saturday at Kansas City Stadium, where the Black Stars will attempt to overcome one of South America’s strongest teams and book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With a nearly fully fit squad, growing confidence and an experienced coach guiding them, the Black Stars believe they have everything needed to take another memorable step on their World Cup journey.
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