Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz urges Black Stars to put team before individual brilliance

Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged his players to prioritise teamwork and collective responsibility as Ghana continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Portuguese coach believes success at the tournament will depend less on individual talent and more on the squad's ability to function as a united team.

Queiroz stressed that representing the national team requires a different mindset from club football, where players often have more time to develop relationships and tactical understanding.

"It's not about me. It's about the shirt and Ghana," Queiroz said.

"In national teams, with few training minutes, it's sometimes hard to build that collectiveness, that chemistry."

The former Portugal and Real Madrid coach acknowledged that international squads are often made up of star players who arrive from different clubs with different styles and expectations.

"Big stars come and want to express themselves, sometimes without that connection," he explained.

Queiroz revealed that one of his main objectives since taking charge has been to build belief within the squad that success can only be achieved through unity.

"My goal last week was to build that belief: together, we can be a very, very powerful team."

"Alone, you can be fast, you can arrive first. But if you want to become a champion, you do it together."

The coach also outlined the intense work ethic and collective commitment he expects from his players both in and out of possession.

"I tell them jokingly: when we defend, we have to defend with 14," he said.

"I don't care who runs for two or three. But the other team must think, 'These guys are playing with 14.'"

Queiroz added that modern football demands total involvement from every player on the pitch.

"When we win the ball, we attack with six or seven. That's modern football."

"Our players know that. They just need to transfer it to the yellow shirt, to the red shirt. It's as simple as that."

Ghana will be hoping that collective spirit can help them navigate a difficult World Cup group that includes Panama, England and Croatia as the Black Stars seek a place in the knockout stages.