World Cup 2026: Black Stars players want to die for the nation – Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz insists his players are ready to lay their bodies on the line as the team gears up for the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament.

The West African football heavyweights are set to compete at the global showpiece, which kick-start next week, after booking a place for the expanded tournament to be co-hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ghana are paired in Group L against European giants, England, 2018 World Cup finalists, Croatia and Panama. The Black Stars will open their account against Panama before taking on England and Croatia respectively.

After naming his final squad for the tournament, Queiroz insists his charges are ready to die for the country at biggest soccer mundial.

“Enjoy it. Be proud of your team. We’re going to give our best. The players — they want to die for the shirt. I did individual interviews with all of them. I was touched by the feelings they expressed about playing for the Black Stars” he said.

“Believe me, they have great respect for the nation and the people. I’m sure they’ll do their best. But this is not a walk in the park. It’s not a day at the beach. We play the best teams in the world. They have the same wish, desire, motivation, ambition”

Ghana will face Wales in an international friendly on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with the former Real Madrid gaffer expected to use the game to fine-tune his squad for the biggest soccer mundial, which kick-start next week in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

The West African football powerhouse has previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.