Ghana aim to lift African hopes at 2026 World Cup

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka July 2, 2026

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says his side are determined to improve Africa’s record at the 2026 World Cup as they prepare for a decisive knockout match against Colombia.

The Black Stars face Colombia in Kansas City on Saturday, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

Queiroz said Ghana were aware of the pressure on African teams after Senegal and DR Congo were both eliminated in the round of 32.

Senegal lost 3-2 to Belgium after leading 2-0 at half-time, while DR Congo were beaten 2-1 by England despite taking an early lead.

“It is a challenge for us to improve the stat of African teams, and we will do our best to make everybody back home proud,” Queiroz told Ghanaian sports journalist Gary Al-Smith.

The Portuguese coach also spoke about the impact of recent flooding in Accra, saying the disaster had affected him personally.

He said the squad had been following events at home and hoped their performance could offer encouragement to people affected by the floods.

“The floods have affected me personally,” Queiroz said. “The team will try and give those affected something to smile about.”

Ghana’s match against Colombia will be played on 3 July in Kansas City.

Victory would send the Black Stars into the last 16 for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2010, and keep alive hopes of an African side making history at the tournament.