2026 World Cup: Derek Boateng slams Carlos Queiroz's squad selection after Black Stars exit

Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has criticised head coach Carlos Queiroz over his team selection following the 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-32 defeat to Colombia.

Ghana fell 1-0 to Colombia at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, July 4, a result that ended their run in the competition.

Boateng, who featured for Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, questioned several tactical decisions made for the knockout match, arguing that the changes unsettled the side and handed control to the South Americans.

In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi returned after injury, replacing Benjamin Asare, while in defence, consistent group-stage performer Jonas Adjetey was left out in favour of Derick Luckassen of Pafos FC.

Speaking on GTV SportsPlus, Boateng said Ghana were second best throughout the contest, particularly in midfield battles and loose-ball situations.

“We didn’t play our game from the beginning; the Colombians dictated the game for us; they played the type of game they wanted to play,” Derek Boateng told GTV SportsPlus.

“And we were just chasing them all the time, and what is sad is that we lost all the second balls in the game.

“We couldn’t win any second balls, and that's what they were doing; they hurt so much with the second balls, and they pass the ball so easily.

“It’s got to be important that the players the coach will choose for the first eleven because I don’t know why Asare didn’t play.

“It’s really important with the kind of players you put in this game because it’s not every player you can put in this kind of game."

He also suggested that selection choices weakened Ghana’s competitive edge.

“You need players who can run, who can match the Colombians, and we had those players on the bench," the former Real Madrid boss said.

“I don’t blame the players; I have to look at the coaching because the coaches what are they doing there.

“So for me, I feel like from the start of the game we lost already because of the players chosen.”

The decisive moment came early when Jhon Arias finished from close range after a precise assist from Luis Suárez, handing Colombia a 14th-minute lead they protected to the end.

Ghana reached the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group L. Their campaign included a 1-0 win over Panama, a goalless draw with England, and a 2-1 defeat to Croatia.

The fallout from Ghana’s exit has also triggered changes in the technical team, with head coach Carlos Queiroz announcing his decision to step down after signing a short-term deal in April.

Attention now shifts to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September, as the West African side looks to rebuild ahead of the next competitive cycle.