Ghana may have started their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a vital 1-0 victory over Panama, but head coach has warned that tougher challenges lie ahead for the Black Stars.
Following the hard-fought win, Queiroz delivered a powerful message that underlined the mentality he expects from his players as they prepare for the remainder of the tournament.
According to the experienced Portuguese tactician, Ghana’s success at the World Cup will depend not only on quality but also on sacrifice, resilience and the willingness to endure difficult moments.
“We have to suffer and play,” Queiroz declared after the victory.
The Ghana coach believes his players must embrace the realities of competing against the world’s best teams if they are to achieve their objectives in North America.
“We have to suffer; there is no other way.”
His comments reflect the demanding nature of World Cup football, where every match is fiercely contested and every point must be earned through determination and commitment.
Despite opening their campaign with three points against Panama, Queiroz insists the Black Stars cannot afford to become complacent.
“We must be ready to make sacrifices.”
The former Real Madrid, Portugal and Iran coach has built his managerial career on discipline, organisation and collective effort. Those principles were evident in Ghana’s performance against Panama, where the team remained patient and disciplined before snatching victory through Caleb Yirenkyi’s dramatic stoppage-time winner.
For Queiroz, however, the victory was merely the first step.
“You have to be ready… to be ready to pay the price because a win in this World Cup is very expensive.”
The statement perfectly captures the challenge awaiting Ghana in a group that includes England and Croatia, two sides widely tipped to progress to the knockout stages.
Every tackle, every sprint, every defensive action and every moment of concentration could prove decisive as the Black Stars seek to reach the Round of 16.
Yet the Ghana coach remains confident that his squad possesses the mentality required to compete.
“But the boys are ready to pay that price. Very expensive.”
That belief was demonstrated against Panama.
When goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was called into action, Ghana responded. When Panama increased the pressure, the Black Stars stood firm. When the match appeared destined for a draw, substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante created the decisive opening and Caleb Yirenkyi finished clinically to secure all three points.
Those moments embodied exactly the spirit Queiroz was referring to.
The coach knows that Ghana’s journey at the World Cup will not be easy. There will be periods of pressure, adversity and suffering. But if the Black Stars continue to show the same resilience and determination that carried them past Panama, they will believe they can compete with anyone.
With England next on the horizon, Queiroz has already set the tone.
The message is simple.
There are no shortcuts at the World Cup.
There are no easy victories.
There is only sacrifice, hard work and the willingness to suffer for the badge.
And according to Carlos Queiroz, Ghana’s players are ready to pay the price. Very expensive.
