Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz believes Colombia are not an unbeatable side and insists the Black Stars have identified areas they can exploit when the two teams meet in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The highly anticipated knockout clash will take place in Kansas City, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake. Colombia head into the encounter as one of the tournament’s in-form teams after topping Group K ahead of Portugal, while Ghana progressed after finishing among the best third-placed teams following an impressive group-stage campaign.
Despite Colombia’s unbeaten record and growing reputation as one of the favourites for the title, Queiroz remains convinced that every team has vulnerabilities. The Portuguese tactician, who previously managed Colombia between 2019 and 2020, believes his knowledge of the South American side could prove valuable but stressed that his preparations have been based on the current team rather than the one he coached.
Queiroz drawing on Colombia experience
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Queiroz acknowledged his familiarity with many of Colombia’s players but explained that football evolves quickly, making it essential to analyse the present rather than rely on past experiences.
“Well, it’s true that I know the team well, the Colombian players. It’s also our obligation to study today’s Colombia, not yesterday’s Colombia. And we are aware of all the qualities of the team’s players at the moment. The team reminds me a bit of my Colombia at the Copa America,” he said.
Having spent more than a year in charge of Los Cafeteros, Queiroz understands the mentality and football culture surrounding the national team. However, he believes Néstor Lorenzo has introduced new ideas and personnel since his departure, making Colombia a different proposition from the side he once managed.
Even so, the Ghana coach remains confident that careful preparation has revealed opportunities his players can exploit during Friday’s encounter.
No team is perfect, says Ghana coach
While praising Colombia’s quality, Queiroz insisted the Black Stars should not be intimidated because every side has weaknesses.
According to the veteran coach, Ghana must remain focused on expressing their own style of play while targeting Colombia’s vulnerable areas whenever opportunities arise.
“It’s a good team, but we also have players with a lot of quality. And a very strong team, with a lot of determination. And what we have to do is play in our style, in our positive strengths, against the weaker points of Colombia. There are no perfect teams, there aren’t. Colombia is not perfect, it’s a great team, but it’s not perfect. We are a great team; we are not perfect,” he added.
Those comments underline the confidence growing within the Ghana camp despite facing one of South America’s strongest teams. The Black Stars have built a reputation at this tournament for defensive organisation, tactical discipline and resilience, qualities Queiroz believes will give them a genuine chance of progressing.
Colombia arrive full of confidence
Colombia have impressed throughout the group stage, finishing top of Group K ahead of Portugal after remaining unbeaten.
Their performances have earned praise from across the football world, with Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente recently describing them as one of the favourites to win the tournament.
The South Americans possess attacking quality across the pitch, with a squad packed with players competing in Europe’s biggest leagues. Their pace on the wings, technical midfielders and physical forwards have made them one of the most difficult teams to contain during the competition.
However, Queiroz believes that reputation alone will not decide the outcome. He has repeatedly reminded his players that knockout football often comes down to concentration, discipline and capitalising on small moments rather than dominance over 90 minutes.
Ghana determined to play their own game
One of the key themes of Queiroz’s reign has been maintaining Ghana’s identity regardless of the opposition. Throughout the tournament, he has resisted suggestions that the Black Stars should become overly defensive against stronger opponents.
Instead, Ghana have combined a compact defensive structure with quick counter-attacks, earning victories against Panama, a hard-fought draw with England and qualification for the knockout stage.
Against Colombia, the Portuguese coach expects a similar balance between caution and ambition. Rather than focusing solely on stopping Colombia, Ghana will also look to exploit transitions and create chances of their own.
The coach believes the Black Stars possess enough pace, athleticism and technical quality to trouble any defence if they remain disciplined throughout the contest.
No room for mistakes
Queiroz admitted the knockout stage brings an entirely different level of pressure compared to the group phase. With no second chances available, he stressed that every detail could determine who advances.
“But tomorrow is a game where there is no room for mistakes. There are no tomorrows. We have to do everything right for 90 minutes. And that’s it, 120 minutes, if that’s the case. And that’s what will happen. We don’t have to create a lot of fantasy and speculate about the game. It’s a great football game, we know that it’s all for the winner, nothing for the loser,” he continued.
The Ghana coach explained that knockout football requires maximum concentration from the opening whistle until the very end, whether the contest lasts 90 minutes or extends into extra time. He believes discipline, patience and intelligent decision-making will be more important than spectacular football.
Pressure is a privilege
Although the stakes could hardly be higher, Queiroz rejected the notion that pressure should be feared. Instead, he described playing on the World Cup knockout stage as one of the greatest privileges in football.
“So, there is a change of attitude during the game, because that creates a lot of pressure. But the pressure of a game like this is not a problem, it’s a privilege. It’s a privilege to be here, to play against great players from Colombia, great players from Ghana, on the stage of the best football in the world. So, tomorrow’s pressure is part of our lives, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
The experienced coach has managed at multiple FIFA World Cups and understands the unique demands of tournament football. His message to the squad has consistently been to embrace the occasion rather than become overwhelmed by it.
Ghana’s belief continues to grow
The Black Stars have exceeded many expectations at the tournament after successfully navigating a difficult group featuring England, Croatia and Panama.
Their defensive organisation has drawn widespread praise, while several players have enhanced their reputations with impressive performances on the world stage.
Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Marvin Senaya and Benjamin Asare have all emerged as standout performers, while Ghana’s attacking players continue searching for the clinical edge that could make the difference in the knockout rounds.
Queiroz believes the unity within the squad has been one of the team’s biggest strengths. The players have repeatedly spoken about their confidence in the coaching staff’s tactical approach, and the Portuguese manager has consistently backed his squad to compete with any nation.
Everything to play for in Kansas City
Friday’s encounter promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Round of 32.
Colombia enter as slight favourites following their unbeaten group-stage campaign, but Ghana have already shown they are capable of frustrating elite opponents and thriving under pressure.
Victory would send the Black Stars into the Round of 16 for the first time since their memorable run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, while defeat would bring their campaign to an end.
For Queiroz, the formula is simple. Respect Colombia’s strengths, exploit their weaknesses, remain true to Ghana’s identity and avoid costly mistakes.
If the Black Stars can execute that plan successfully, the veteran coach believes they have every chance of producing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and keeping their World Cup dream alive.
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