Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz admitted Ghana fell short in key moments after their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.

The Black Stars bowed out after reaching the knockout stage for the first time in 16 years, having progressed from Group L with a win over Panama, a draw against England and a defeat to Croatia.

Speaking after the match, the Portuguese tactician pointed to his side’s poor passing and lack of organisation as the decisive factors behind the defeat.

“The quality of our passes were not what we expected. We made a lot of mistakes and conceded counter attacks. They scored in one moment that the team was not organized,” Queiroz said.

The Ghana coach was also asked whether some players should have been substituted earlier but explained that FIFA’s substitution limit left him with few options.

“You can only make five substitutions. If it was possible to make more substitutions, we would have put other players on the pitch,” he said.

Looking ahead, Queiroz remained calm despite the disappointment, adding: “What’s next for me is to have a glass of water and relax, refresh for the next morning and start to make other decisions.”

Ghana’s elimination brings an end to a campaign that saw the Black Stars return to the World Cup knockout stage, offering signs of progress despite their exit at the first knockout hurdle.