2026 World Cup: We have achieved our objective - Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz after holding England to stalemate
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz says his side have achieved their immediate objective after holding England to a goalless draw in their Group L clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The Black Stars, who began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama, produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate a dominant England team that enjoyed long spells of possession but failed to find a breakthrough.
The result leaves both sides level on four points heading into the final round of group matches, with qualification for the knockout stage still finely poised.
Queiroz praised his players’ tactical discipline and resilience, insisting the plan was executed to perfection against one of the tournament favourites.
"The first goal is achieved, and we qualified for the second round," the former Egypt and Iran coach said 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.
He also acknowledged England’s quality while defending Ghana’s pragmatic approach.
"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.
"That's the way to win when you have to defend, you defend. I cannot play samba when they play rock and roll."
Queiroz explained that the aim was to frustrate England early and gradually grow into the contest.
"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.
Looking ahead, he framed the result as part of a broader objective already achieved.
"Happiness. Win is happiness, but in this moment, the win is nothing. We reached the second stage, which was the goal."
England now turn their attention to Panama, while Ghana prepare for a decisive final group fixture against Croatia, with progression to the knockout stage still up for grabs.