Queiroz Delighted as Ghana Secure point against England

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed pride and satisfaction after the Black Stars secured qualification to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a disciplined goalless draw against England in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Having opened their Group L campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama, Ghana needed another positive result to strengthen their position, and they delivered with a resilient defensive performance against one of the tournament favourites.

The draw leaves both Ghana and England on four points heading into the final round of group matches, with the Black Stars guaranteeing their place in the next phase of the competition.

England controlled possession for much of the contest, but Queiroz’s side remained compact and organised, frustrating the Three Lions throughout the 90 minutes.

Reflecting on the result, the Portuguese tactician praised his players for their commitment to the game plan and their determination under pressure.

“The first goal is achieved, and we qualified for the second round,” Queiroz said after the match.

“I am so proud of the way our players fought during the game and how much they stand behind the game plan. They always believed.”

The experienced coach also reserved special praise for England, describing Thomas Tuchel’s side as genuine contenders for the World Cup crown.

“My humble opinion is that England can be a candidate to win the World Cup. It is a gift for our fans. It is a gift for some of the players we lost.”

Queiroz explained that Ghana’s tactical approach was shaped by the quality of their opponents, insisting his players had to adapt to the demands of the game.

“That’s the way to win when you have to defend, you defend. I cannot play samba when they play rock and roll.”

He revealed that one of Ghana’s primary objectives was to frustrate England during the opening stages before gradually growing into the match.

“The goal was to finish the first half with the England team frustrated and no solution to beat us. That was when we started to grow up and control the game.”

Although Ghana created chances to snatch all three points, Queiroz admitted the draw accurately reflected the balance of play.

“We could score, but unfortunately, we didn’t do it. I think England could score, so a draw was a fair result.”

With qualification secured, the Ghana coach emphasized that reaching the knockout rounds was the team’s most important objective.

“Happiness. Win is happiness, but in this moment, the win is nothing. We reached the second stage, which was the goal.”

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their final Group L fixture against Croatia, aiming to finish the group strongly and potentially secure top spot, while England prepare to face Panama in their concluding group match.