Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz is targeting a positive start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama at the Toronto Stadium on Thursday morning.

Queiroz optimistic of victory

Queiroz said his team is well prepared for the Group L encounter.

“We’re strong and we’ll showcase our strengths in the game,” Queiroz said ahead of the game.

“Panama is a well organized team and we hold them in high regard because they are competitive. We have good solutions to their strengths and will try to expose the weaknesses they have.”

Ready for another challenge

For Queiroz, Ghana’s World Cup campaign represents another opportunity to apply the knowledge gathered throughout his career.

“I learned quite a bit from coaches, from players, and I believe that this is now an opportunity for me to consider and really put together everything that I’ve worked for, every decision I’ve made,” added Queiroz.

“I hope God gives me the inspiration to make the right decisions, to use my experience and everything that I’ve learned in my life so that I can take the right decisions at the right time.”

Support key for Black Stars

Ghana’s arrival in Toronto was greeted by passionate scenes as Black Stars supporters turned out in large numbers to welcome the team, creating an atmosphere that underlined the enormous expectations surrounding the four-time African champions.

For Queiroz, the final ingredient could come from the stands.

“I hope that during the game we will hear the drums of Ghana for 90 minutes and let them accelerate the beat of our hearts,” he added.