Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised Colombia’s evolution into one of the most disciplined and balanced teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but insists the Black Stars will remain true to their own identity when the two sides meet in Friday’s Round of 32 showdown.
The Portuguese tactician, who previously managed the Colombian national team, is preparing to face several players he knows well from his time in charge of Los Cafeteros. However, Queiroz believes sentiment has no place in a knockout World Cup match, stressing that his focus is firmly on the present rather than the past.
The highly anticipated encounter at Kansas City Stadium is one of the standout fixtures of the Round of 32, with both nations hoping to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Ghana progressed after finishing among the tournament’s best third-placed teams, while Colombia advanced as unbeaten winners of Group K.
Although Queiroz possesses inside knowledge of Colombian football, he believes the current squad has developed significantly since his departure and deserves recognition for its growth under current head coach Néstor Lorenzo.
Queiroz studies today’s Colombia, not the past
Speaking ahead of the match, Queiroz explained that while his previous experience with Colombia provides useful background, it is today’s version of the team that matters most.
“I know Colombia and many of the players very well, but it is my responsibility to study today’s Colombia, not yesterday’s,” he said.
The experienced coach believes Colombia have matured into a side capable of competing with anyone at the tournament, combining tactical discipline with technical quality across the pitch.
Rather than relying on memories from his own tenure, Queiroz said his coaching staff have carried out detailed analysis of Colombia’s recent performances, paying close attention to their tactical structure, movement, and defensive organisation.
His approach reflects the meticulous preparation that has become a trademark of his coaching career, one that has helped Ghana become one of the tournament’s most organised teams despite facing difficult opponents in the group stage.
Colombia have added another dimension
Queiroz admitted he sees similarities between the current Colombian side and the team he coached during the Copa América, but believes the squad has evolved in important ways.
“They remind me a little of the Colombia team I coached during the Copa America. They are a good team.” He went further by highlighting the balance that now exists throughout the Colombian squad.
“Colombia today are a very organised team with discipline and quality in every position. They have changed since the days of Juan Cuadrado and have added another dimension.”
The Portuguese manager suggested Colombia are no longer dependent on individual brilliance alone but have become a more complete collective capable of controlling matches in different ways.
That evolution has made them one of the teams attracting praise throughout the tournament, particularly after finishing ahead of Portugal to top Group K.
Impressive display against Portugal caught Ghana’s attention
Among Colombia’s performances, Queiroz admitted their display against Portugal particularly impressed him.
The South Americans demonstrated defensive discipline, composure in possession and dangerous attacking transitions during the match, reinforcing their reputation as one of the competition’s strongest teams.
“I watched the match against Portugal, and they played very well.” However, the Ghana coach was quick to point out that every World Cup knockout match brings a completely different challenge.
Rather than becoming overly concerned about Colombia’s strengths, Queiroz believes Ghana must concentrate on executing their own game plan.
Black Stars will not abandon their identity
Despite acknowledging Colombia’s quality, Queiroz made it clear that Ghana will not change their philosophy simply because of the opposition.
Instead, he wants the Black Stars to build on the defensive organisation, discipline and resilience that carried them through the group stage.
“Tomorrow is another story. It is Ghana, and we will play with our own style and our own strengths.”
Those words reflect the confidence that has grown within the Ghana camp since Queiroz took charge earlier this year.
The Black Stars entered the tournament with relatively modest expectations but have steadily earned respect through disciplined performances against Panama, England and Croatia.
Although Ghana suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group match, they had already secured qualification for the knockout rounds before kick-off after collecting four points from their opening two games.
Throughout the tournament, Queiroz has consistently insisted that his players remain true to their football identity rather than adapting excessively to opponents.
That philosophy is expected to continue against Colombia.
A disciplined Ghana side continues to improve
One of the biggest positives of Ghana’s campaign has been the team’s defensive organisation. The Black Stars kept clean sheets against Panama and England before conceding their first goals of the tournament against Croatia.
Several defenders, including Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku and Marvin Senaya, have received widespread praise for their composed performances, while goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has established himself as one of the tournament’s standout shot-stoppers.
In midfield, Ghana have combined physicality with tactical discipline, while the attacking unit has shown flashes of quality despite scoring only twice during the group stage. Queiroz believes maintaining that balance will be essential against a technically gifted Colombian side.
Winner takes all in Kansas City
The Ghana coach also reminded his players of the brutal reality of knockout football. Unlike the group stage, where teams can recover from disappointing results, every mistake now carries enormous consequences.
“There is no tomorrow. Everything belongs to the winner and nothing to the loser.” His comments underline the pressure surrounding Friday’s encounter.
Victory would send Ghana into the Round of 16 for the first time since the memorable 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals and came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
A defining moment for Ghana’s World Cup campaign
Friday’s clash represents another major test of the progress Ghana have made under Queiroz. Since taking charge, the Portuguese coach has restored defensive discipline, improved the team’s organisation and rebuilt confidence within the squad.
The Black Stars have already demonstrated they can compete with some of the world’s strongest teams after holding England to a goalless draw and qualifying from a competitive group.
Now they face perhaps their biggest challenge yet against an unbeaten Colombian side widely regarded as one of the tournament’s dark horses.
While Queiroz openly acknowledges the quality and organisation of Los Cafeteros, he remains convinced that Ghana possess enough talent, discipline and belief to compete on equal terms.
His message to the players is simple: respect Colombia, trust the preparation, and remain faithful to Ghana’s own strengths.
With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, the Black Stars know there is no margin for error. As Queiroz himself put it, in knockout football everything belongs to the winner.
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