Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed strong confidence in his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the players are united, motivated and ready to represent the nation with pride on football’s biggest stage.

The Portuguese tactician on Monday, June 1, named his 26-man squad for the tournament in North America, with 15 players set to make their FIFA World Cup debut.

Speaking after announcing the squad, Queiroz praised the commitment and passion of his players, revealing that individual discussions with each member of the team reinforced his belief in their dedication to the Black Stars.

“Enjoy it. Be proud of your team. We’re going to give our best. The players 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.

Queiroz stressed that the squad fully appreciates the responsibility that comes with representing Ghana on the global stage and is prepared for the challenges ahead.

“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 and ambition,” he added.

The Black Stars are currently intensifying preparations for the tournament with a series of international friendlies. Ghana will take on Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium before concluding their warm-up campaign against Jamaica on June 10.

Focus will then shift to the World Cup, where Ghana have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

The four-time African champions will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England six days later. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Croatia on June 27.

Having exited at the group stage in their last two World Cup appearances, Ghana will be hoping to secure a place in the knockout rounds for the first time since their historic quarter-final run at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.