Ghana will kick off their World Cup build-up in Wales this week, bringing an end to a month-long scouting and preparation stretch for head coach Carlos Queiroz. His delayed appointment means the squad’s final preparations for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will start later than planned, with the first training block beginning soon.
Queiroz, set to coach at his fifth consecutive World Cup, formally took charge in April. Over the past month, he has been meeting players at their clubs, assessing possible candidates for the final group of 26, and gathering as much information as he can about the team’s strengths and needs.
Quick facts
- Ghana begin World Cup preparations in Wales this week.
- Carlos Queiroz took over in April and will manage at his fifth straight World Cup.
- In the past month, he and his staff visited 12 cities, watched 14 matches and reviewed 55 Ghanaian players through video analysis of more than 200 games.
- Ghana will stay in Wales for 12 days before a friendly against the hosts in Cardiff on June 2.
- At the World Cup, Ghana are drawn in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia.
- A Ghana squad made up of home-based and under-23 players plays Mexico in Puebla tomorrow.
During that intensive groundwork, Queiroz and his support team traveled to 12 different locations, attended 14 matches, and studied the form of 55 Ghanaian players by reviewing footage from over 200 contests. The approach reflects his long-standing reputation for careful planning, even if the timetable has limited how deeply he has been able to connect with every player personally.
At 73 years old, the coach will now shift focus as the first group of players arrives for camp this week. It will be the start of more hands-on work after weeks spent primarily on observation, selection and evaluation.
Set-piece focus
Queiroz said the early phase is about building the full foundation rather than chasing headlines. “We have to put the right preparation in place — training, diet, nutrition, physios, fitness and the details of set pieces,” he said in an interview published by the FA.
He also stressed that ambition requires preparation and sacrifice. “It’s easy to say, ‘I want to win the World Cup,’ just like many people want to buy a private jet,” he added. “But you have to be ready to pay the price to achieve those dreams.”
Ghana’s camp in Wales is scheduled to last 12 days. They will then play a friendly against the hosts in Cardiff on June 2 before traveling to the tournament, where they will open their Group L campaign against Panama, with England and Croatia also in their section.
While the main planning continues, a separate Ghana group made up of home-based players and under-23s is set to face Mexico. That match takes place in Puebla tomorrow, with Ghana and the World Cup co-hosts meeting as part of the build-up to the finals.
