2026 World Cup: Carlos Queiroz content with preparations ahead of Ghana v Panama opener

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz insists his side is adequately prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite playing only one friendly match under his leadership ahead of the tournament.

Ghana, who is seeking to go past the group phase for the first time in the Mundial since 2010, wrapped up their preparations with just a game against Wales, which ended 1-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

With questions raised about whether one friendly was enough preparation, Queiroz, addressing the media ahead of their opening match against Panama, stressed that the team’s readiness has been built through a combination of previous matches and intensive training sessions.

According to him, preparations are not measured solely by the number of matches played.

“Yes, we played one game, but it was not the only game that the team played. There were other games before that we took lessons from,” Queiroz said.

The veteran tactician explained that every training session adds value and that teams must make the best use of the circumstances available to them.

“In terms of preparation, life is simple for us in football. One training is better than zero, two is better than one, three is better than two, and so on.”

“Two games are better than one, three are better than two.”

However, Queiroz believes that when matches are limited, coaches can compensate through additional work on the training ground.

“But if you only have one game, you have to take the best of that situation. We play one game, we train more. If we play more games, we train less.”

Ghana's clash against Panama at BMO Field, with kick-off slated for 23:00 GMT, has generated considerable anticipation as the four-time African champions seek a winning start to their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.

Following the Panama encounter, the Black Stars will face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their Group L campaign against Croatia on June 27.

Ghana will be aiming to secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.