Carlos Queiroz: AFCON qualification is absolute priority, but eyes on 2030 World Cup

Ghana's national football coach Carlos Queiroz has emphasized that securing a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is his top priority, with the ultimate goal of preparing a squad capable of competing in the 2030 World Cup. Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s website, Queiroz stressed the importance of focusing on the upcoming AFCON qualifiers, while keeping an eye on the bigger vision.

He described the current period as the beginning of a new era for Ghana's national team, stating that the primary objective demands their complete attention, but also highlights a long-term ambition. Queiroz cautioned against premature accolades, insisting that Ghana must first qualify for the tournament. "We must have ambition, but also humility," he cautioned. "We know our recent history and cannot talk about winning AFCON when we haven't yet qualified. We have to work, grow, compete, and earn our destiny."

Queiroz acknowledged the competitive reality faced by Ghana compared to Africa's top sides, noting that many leading teams have squads featuring players who regularly compete in the UEFA Champions League. He stressed the need to meet this level of competition, recognizing the importance of achieving such a standard.

Reflecting on Ghana's recent World Cup campaign, Queiroz highlighted the value of the experience in understanding his squad's character and quality. He expressed pride in leading "a fantastic group and a fantastic national-team culture."

Regarding squad selection, Queiroz reiterated that competitive form and physical readiness are non-negotiables. "Players should be in competitive action, physically prepared, and fully ready to play for the national team," he emphasized. Queiroz concluded with a message of hard work and humility, urging the team to outperform the best on the continent to achieve their ambitions.

"Every squad selection, every training session, and every match must contribute to building a better team. If we want to compete with the best, it is not enough to work as hard as they do. We have to work even harder and better," he concluded.