2026 World Cup: We have to ensure another African country makes it to the last 16 - Carlos Queiroz ahead of Ghana v Colombia clash

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged the Black Stars to keep Africa’s hopes alive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by securing a place in the quarter-finals with victory over Colombia.

The four-time African champions face the South American side in their Round of 16 clash at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, with a place in the last eight at stake.

Ghana are among the continent’s remaining representatives after Senegal, South Africa, DR Congo and Ivory Coast were all eliminated from the tournament. Morocco are the only other African nation still in contention.

Reflecting on the performances of African teams at the World Cup, Queiroz acknowledged the challenges they have faced and stressed the importance of Ghana taking the next step.

​“It’s another challenge for us, but we have to improve these stats. We have to make it better. So it’s on our shoulders to be sure that we add another African team to the next round," the 73-year-old added.

The Portuguese coach will be hoping his side can deliver a composed display against Colombia and avoid the late collapses that have cost several African teams during the tournament.

Ghana are featuring in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010, when they came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Saturday’s encounter offers the Black Stars another opportunity to make history and extend both their own campaign and Africa’s presence at the tournament.

Kick-off is scheduled for 01:30 GMT.