By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, June 24, GNA – In recent years, the story of Ghana’s Black Stars had been one of fading brilliance, inconsistency, early tournament exits, with belief among supporters steadily eroding.
However, that narrative is gradually shifting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ghana’s disciplined performances have reignited hope among fans.
For the first time in their World Cup history, the Black Stars have gone through their opening two group matches without conceding a goal, a testament to the defensive structure orchestrated by coach Carlos Queiroz.
The echoes of past exploits from the fearless debut in 2006 to the historic quarterfinal run in 2010, now appear to be resurfacing, offering renewed optimism for a team that endured recent disappointments.
From Doubt to Determination
A skeptical nation begins to believe again as coach Queiroz instills structure and purpose.
Queiroz’s arrival just two months ago was met with cautious optimism rather than excitement following the poor performance of previous head coach Otto Addo.
Rather than selling dreams, the Portuguese tactician has introduced a clear blueprint. Where there was once uncertainty, there is now structure. The Black Stars have grown more compact, disciplined and efficient — a side built on tactical awareness and collective responsibility.
“I just arrived a couple of months ago to Ghana, as you know. My commitment to the fans is a commitment to my daily work every day with the team, to improve the team, to make them better, to make them express better football. Because the moment the team performs well on the pitch, the fans are happy,” he said prior to the England clash.
“It makes sense for a coach to spend time… talking, selling and delivering beautiful words. If you’re not able to deliver the only medicine that works in football, which are results and wins, you can never be in the heart of the fans. You win the heart of the fans when you deliver on the pitch,” Queiroz added.
Rising Against the Odds
Injury concerns and missing key players fail to derail Ghana’s World Cup ambition.
Heading into the tournament, Ghana were widely written off, particularly with the absence of key players such as Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku before the competition.
Expectations were modest, with many predicting another early exit but the Black Stars have defied those odds.
Game after game, they have shown grit rather than glamour, refusing to yield under pressure. Each performance has been marked by determination and a collective desire to compete.
As a result, qualification to the Round of 32 is within reach, with a possible second-place finish in Group L representing a remarkable achievement.
A Statement on the Global Stage
Ghana’s result against England signals a return to competitiveness on football’s biggest stage.
The draw against England, one of the tournament’s favourites, underlined Ghana’s progress. It was more than a positive result; it was a statement that the Black Stars can once again compete with the world’s elite.
More importantly, it revealed a team united in purpose that are willing to defend as one and fight as one.
For a nation that suffered group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022, this resurgence feels different, defined by hunger, discipline and renewed passion.
Moving forward, one thing is clear, the Black Stars are back again and whatever happens in subsequent games could be the start of something great in the future.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
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