World Cup 2026: Carlos Queiroz delivers 'we win or we learn' message after Ghana's defeat to Croatia

Carlos Queiroz has urged Ghana to treat Saturday's defeat against Croatia as an opportunity for growth rather than disappointment after the Black Stars secured a place in the World Cup knockout rounds.

Ghana lost 2-1 in their final Group L fixture but still progressed as one of the best third-placed teams and will now face Colombia in the Round of 32.

Speaking after the match, Queiroz refused to criticise his players and instead repeated a philosophy that has guided his coaching career.

"Yeah, I think, as I used to say, we win or we learn. Today we learn."

The Ghana coach believes setbacks can provide the foundation for future success, particularly in tournament football, where adapting quickly is essential.

"And we learn to be better prepared for the World Championship."

Queiroz insisted qualification should never be viewed as the final objective, reminding his players that the difficult part of the tournament still lies ahead.

"Qualification is not a destination. Qualification is just a credit card that you receive to deserve to be in this stage of the competition."

"Now we have to pay the price of having that credit card in your pocket."

He described the knockout rounds as football at its purest, where every match is decided by fine margins and mental strength often proves as important as tactical quality.

"Everything to the winner, nothing to the loser."

"So that means that every single game is about drama. Nobody can hide anything since the first minute."

The experienced coach called on his players to approach the Colombia clash with courage and commitment.

"Everybody must go for it and put everything in the game."

"And play really the knockout stage with that spirit of entertainment and drama, emotional. That's the real World Cup that starts next game."

Ghana head into the Round of 32 seeking to upset one of South America's strongest teams and extend their stay at the tournament, with Queiroz confident his side has learned enough from the group stage to compete when the stakes are at their highest.

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