Ghana can build on World Cup performance despite Round of 32 exit – Sports Minister Kofi Adams

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has encouraged the Black Stars to use the disappointment of their 2026 FIFA World Cup exit as motivation, insisting the team has the quality to compete at the highest level despite their elimination by Colombia.

Ghana’s campaign came to an end after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium, with the Sports Minister addressing the players in the dressing room after the match.

Hon. Adams commended the Black Stars for their performances throughout the tournament, saying the team had earned the respect of football fans despite falling short of their ambitions.

“We have what it takes to partake in every World Cup and get out of the group stages and even go further,” he said.

“So, we didn’t make it. Our wish was that we would have carried the day. But we played so well and I believe we don’t regret we went in. Everybody is congratulating us that we have a good team. It means you exhibited something good on the pitch.”

The Minister urged the players to reflect on the mistakes made during the tournament and use them as valuable lessons to improve both individually and collectively.

“What we need is the very few mistakes that we made to become a learning platform for all of us. You become a better player of yourself in the various roles that you play in the team. It should not dampen you,” he added.

Reinforcing head coach Carlos Queiroz’s emphasis on teamwork, Hon. Adams reminded the squad that Ghana’s international journey is far from over, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on the horizon.

“As the coach said, he has a team and not individual skilful players. So, we came as a team, we played as a team, we are returning as a team. And to continue our individual careers, also. So, it is not the end of international competitions.

“We are going to be calling on you, and you would have to be responding to these calls for the various qualifiers that are ahead of us.”

The Sports Minister also advised the players not to be discouraged by criticism on social media following the team's World Cup exit, urging them instead to channel any negative reactions into motivation.

“The country is grateful for what we have done. Let’s learn lessons from whatever situation arose and brought us to this point. I know as we leave here, those of you who love to go on social media, you will see all manner of postings and all manner of analysis and all manner of criticisms.

“Please and please, you are professional ballers. Let no such comment dampen anyone. If for anything, it should motivate you to do more. Those who are watching, they will do their own analysis. Don’t let it dampen any one of you. It should motivate you to be a better person of yourselves.”

He concluded by thanking the players for their commitment and service to the nation, expressing confidence that the team will return stronger in future competitions.

“You came as a team, you have played as a team, you have done what we can do, and we have reached this point. We are grateful for the service you rendered the country, and the country is grateful.”

The defeat also signals the end of Carlos Queiroz's brief spell as Black Stars head coach, with the Portuguese trainer stepping down after the tournament.

Queiroz had been appointed on a short-term contract ahead of the World Cup following the dismissal of Otto Addo earlier this year.