Yomi Kuku, Toronto, Canada
Ghana may have opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic victory over Panama, but head coach Carlos Queiroz believes the Black Stars’ toughest battles are only beginning.
Fresh from Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner that secured a 1-0 triumph in Toronto, Queiroz immediately turned his attention to the challenges that await his side in Group L, delivering a blunt assessment of what Ghana must expect next.
“To suffer and play. We have to suffer; there is no other way. We must be ready to make sacrifices. You have to be ready to pay the price because a win in this World Cup is very expensive. But the boys are ready to pay that price. Very expensive.”
The Portuguese coach’s comments reflected the reality of Ghana’s opening match, a contest in which the Black Stars spent long periods under pressure before eventually finding a breakthrough in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Reuters reported that Ghana survived several dangerous moments against Panama before Yirenkyi’s late intervention secured all three points.
Queiroz has consistently preached sacrifice and commitment since taking over the national team in April. Weeks before the tournament, he told his players that commitment, humility and mentality must be greater than talent if Ghana were to earn respect on football’s biggest stage.
Those principles were tested immediately against Panama.
The Black Stars struggled to create chances in the first half and lost goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to injury at halftime. Panama looked the more threatening side for long stretches, but Ghana remained resilient before gradually improving after the break.
Now comes an even greater examination.
England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia has established the Three Lions as early Group L leaders, setting up a crucial meeting with Ghana. A positive result could move the Black Stars to the brink of qualification for the knockout stages, while defeat would leave everything hanging on the final group match.
Queiroz believes his players understand exactly what lies ahead.
“We have to suffer” was not a complaint but a philosophy — an acknowledgment that success at a World Cup demands endurance, discipline and the willingness to withstand difficult moments.
The 73-year-old, who is coaching at his fifth consecutive World Cup, has seen enough tournaments to know that group-stage qualification is rarely secured through style alone.
Against Panama, Ghana showed resilience.
Against England, they will need even more.
For Queiroz, the message is simple: the price of victory is rising, and the Black Stars must be prepared to pay it again.
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