"My message is positive — a message of hope. We dream of success at this World Cup, bringing joy and happiness to the people," Queiroz was quoted as saying on ghanafa.org. "But I must also deliver a realistic message. Football is a game of opinions. That's the beauty of it."

Inclusion over exclusion

The experienced coach addressed the debate around squad selection, making clear that his role demands different thinking from that of supporters and pundits. "For us coaches, it's about inclusion. Exclusion is for commentators, press, fans," he said. "They can enjoy talking about exclusion. My job is inclusion."

Queiroz acknowledged the difficulty of leaving players out, noting that circumstances change and that there is no single correct answer. "They give me 26 players, but I have 29 in my head. The rule is 36. Today I decide 26. Tomorrow, in different circumstances, we make different decisions. That's why the game is beautiful — everything is possible, realistic and fantasy at the same time."

He defended the balance of his selected group, emphasising that team harmony matters more than individual brilliance. "These 26, 27 players are, under these circumstances, the ones I believe are ready as a team to perform better. I can't pick 10 goalkeepers or 12 wingers, even if they're the best. We need balance, harmony. Leadership isn't about popular or comfortable decisions — it's about making the right decisions."

Redemption after Qatar disappointment

Ghana will arrive in North America looking to erase the memory of a group-stage exit at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars managed one win — a 3-2 victory over South Korea — but fell 3-2 to Portugal and 2-0 to Uruguay.

The nation's finest World Cup hour remains the 2010 tournament on home soil in South Africa, when Ghana reached the quarterfinals before losing on penalties to Uruguay. Queiroz will be tasked with surpassing that benchmark in 2026.