Carlos Queiroz makes AFCON qualification Ghanaâ??s priority as 2030 World Cup planning begins

The Black Stars start a new cycle after the World Cup, with Queiroz calling for “absolute determination and humility” as the squad prepares for the opening AFCON qualifiers.

Speaking to the official website of the Ghana Football Association, Queiroz said the team must focus on its next challenge while keeping a clear view of its wider ambitions.

“Hands on the present, eyes on the future,” he said. “The priority is very clear: absolute focus on AFCON qualification, with our eyes set on the 2030 World Cup.

“We have an immediate objective that demands our full concentration, but we also have a greater destination ahead of us. This is the moment to start building the team for 2030, a team truly capable of honouring Ghana’s extraordinary World Cup legacy.”

Queiroz insisted Ghana must balance ambition with realism and refused to describe the team as an AFCON title contender before qualification has even been secured.

“We must have ambition, but also humility,” he said. “We know our recent history and we cannot talk about winning AFCON when we have not yet qualified. We have to work, grow, compete and earn our destiny.”

The coach also acknowledged the strength of the leading national teams in African football, many of which have been developed over a long period and include players competing regularly at the highest level in Europe, including the Champions League.

“That is the competitive reality we must recognise and the level we must pursue,” Queiroz said.

He believes Ghana’s experience during the World Cup will be important as the team develops. The coaching staff worked intensively throughout that process, gaining a clearer understanding of the players’ abilities and character.

“It was an experience that gave us a deep understanding of the players, their qualities and their character,” he said. “We have a fantastic group and a fantastic national-team culture. I am a very proud coach to be part of this group.”

Queiroz said the squad was selected after the technical staff completed its usual detailed monitoring of players. He added that periods of inactivity and other limitations affecting some individuals had also been taken into account.

Except in exceptional circumstances, his general principle is that players selected for Ghana should be competing regularly, physically prepared and ready to play for the national team.

Every selection, training session and match must contribute to improving the side, Queiroz added.

“If we want to compete with the best, it is not enough to work as hard as they do,” he said. “We have to work even harder and better. That is the best way to turn into reality the great dreams and ambitions we all have for the Ghana national team.”

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