2026 World Cup: I am proud of my players - Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz after holding England 

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised his players for their resilience and discipline following the Black Stars' goalless draw against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time African champions faced the Three Lions in their second Group L fixture on Tuesday night at Boston Stadium, where they produced a resolute defensive display to earn a valuable point.

Despite England dominating possession for large spells, Ghana remained compact and organised to frustrate Thomas Tuchel's side and secure qualification to the next stage of the tournament.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, Queiroz expressed pride in his team's performance and commitment to the tactical plan.

"The first goal is achieved, and we qualified for the second round," Queiroz told the BBC after the game

"I am so proud of the way our players fought during the game and how much they stand behind the game plan. They always believed. My humble opinion is that England can be a candidate to win the World Cup. It is a gift for our fans. It is a gift for some of the players we lost."

The Portuguese tactician explained that his side's strategy was to frustrate England and gradually grow into the game.

"That's the way to win when you have to defend, you defend. I cannot play samba when they play rock and roll," he said.

"The goal was to finish the first half with the England team frustrated and no solution to beat us. That was when we started to grow up and control the game. We could score, but unfortunately, we didn't do it. I think England could score, so a draw was a fair result."

Reflecting on the significance of securing a point, the former Iran and Egypt coach said qualification for the knockout stage was the team's primary objective.

"Happiness. Win is happiness, but in this moment, the win is nothing. We reached the second stage, which was the goal," Queiroz added.

The result leaves both Ghana and England level on four points at the top of Group L heading into their final group-stage matches on Saturday.

England will take on Panama, while Ghana face Croatia as both sides aim to strengthen their positions ahead of the knockout rounds.