Queiroz Backs Black Stars to Deliver in World Cup Opener Against Panama
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed strong belief in Ghana’s chances ahead of the team’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring that his players are ready to rise to the challenge against Panama.
Ghana begin their Group L campaign on Wednesday, June 17, at BMO Field in Toronto, with the fixture widely viewed as a crucial encounter in the race for a place in the knockout stages.
The four-time African champions have endured a challenging build-up to the tournament, with a limited number of preparatory matches and concerns over the fitness of some members of the squad.
Despite those hurdles, Queiroz remains confident that the Black Stars have what it takes to make a positive start on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking to Asempa FM, the veteran Portuguese tactician dismissed any doubts about his side’s readiness and highlighted the confidence growing within the camp as the tournament approaches.
“We’re strong, and we’re going to make it,” Queiroz stated.
The former coach of Iran, Egypt and Colombia has spent the past few weeks working closely with the squad in the United States before the team relocated to Toronto for the final phase of preparations.
Ghana have already completed several training sessions in Canada as the technical team fine-tunes tactics and sharpens the players ahead of the showdown with Panama.
A victory in the opener would provide a significant boost to the Black Stars’ hopes of progressing from a difficult group that also features England and Croatia.
Following the Panama clash, Ghana will face England on June 23 before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Croatia on June 27.
Queiroz and his players will be aiming to guide Ghana beyond the first round for the first time since the memorable 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals and came within touching distance of making history.
