Trust the process - Queiroz defends Black Stars World Cup squad selection

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged Ghanaians to trust his judgment after unveiling his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that leadership is about making the right decisions rather than popular ones.

Speaking in his media briefing, Queiroz acknowledged the intense debates surrounding player selection but stressed that his responsibility as head coach is to build a balanced team capable of competing on football's biggest stage.

The veteran coach described football as "a game of opinions," noting that disagreements over squad choices are a natural and healthy part of the sport.

According to him, while fans, pundits and the media often focus on who was left out, his role is centered on inclusion and assembling a group that can function effectively as a unit.

"I have 29 players in my head, but the rules say I can only take 26," Queiroz explained, highlighting the difficult decisions involved in trimming the squad.

He revealed that several players narrowly missed out on selection, emphasizing that different circumstances could have produced different outcomes.

The Portuguese tactician also cautioned against judging selections solely on reputation or popularity, arguing that national team football requires balance across all positions rather than simply choosing the most celebrated names.

"The team cannot be made by 10 goalkeepers. I cannot put 12 wingers, even if they are the best," he said.

"Leadership is about making the right decisions under the circumstances that we have," he stated.

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🎥 🇬🇭 “For us coaches, it’s about inclusion. Exclusion is for commentators, press, fans. They can enjoy talking about exclusion. My job is inclusion.”

“Football is a game of opinions. That’s the beauty of it. All opinions are valid. Debate, even conflict, is welcome, it keeps… pic.twitter.com/by07ahHvsI

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) June 2, 2026