'We have to qualify for the second round' – Carlos Queiroz sets World Cup target

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has made it clear that reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is both the team's main goal and his top priority, stressing that everything is geared toward achieving that target.

Speaking after Ghana's 1-1 draw with Wales in their final pre-tournament friendly, the Portuguese tactician outlined the immediate objective.

"At the end, we have to qualify for the second round. That is the main goal of the team and my main priority. That is our focus," Queiroz said.

He emphasized the importance of the group stage matches, calculating the minutes required to reach the knockout phase. "270 minutes is what we are working on, and if we qualify for the next round, the show starts," he added.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

Queiroz's message is clear: the first round is about business. Get the job done in the group stage, and then the real tournament begins.