2026 World Cup: Black Stars adapting to Carlos Queiroz’s intense training regime - Gideon Mensah
Black Stars defender Gideon Mensah has revealed that the national team is still adjusting to the high-intensity training methods introduced by head coach Carlos Queiroz, who has taken over from Otto Addo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A 28-man provisional squad is currently in Cardiff, where preparations have stepped up for the tournament in North America as well as an upcoming international friendly against Wales on June 2.
The team’s build-up has intensified under Queiroz, who is using the training camp to fine-tune his squad and assess player readiness ahead of the global showpiece. Mensah, who features for AJ Auxerre, admitted the sessions have been demanding but necessary.
“He [Carlos Queiroz] comes with a new form of training and everything; something that we are not used to and I think we are adapting," Mensah said.
“The training session like I said, is very intensive; we are not really used to this but then we are going to the World Cup so that’s what we need as well," he added.
Queiroz is expected to trim his squad to a final 26-man list before the friendly against Wales.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup and have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. Their campaign begins on June 17 against Panama at BMO Field, followed by a high-profile clash with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before concluding the group stage against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.
The Black Stars, four-time African champions, are seeking to move beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010, having suffered early exits in both 2014 and 2022.