Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has dismissed suggestions that external forces play a role in the selection of players for the Black Stars, insisting that squad decisions remain firmly under his control.
The experienced Portuguese tactician addressed the issue during a media engagement ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales, a fixture that forms part of the Black Stars’ final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Queiroz was asked whether people outside the technical team influence player call-ups, a topic that has long generated debate among Ghanaian football supporters.
Rather than responding immediately with a direct answer, the former Real Madrid, Portugal and Iran coach chose a humorous approach.
“Look at me nicely, look at me nicely again, and you are going to have the answer to your question,” Queiroz said with a smile.
“You see my answer? You don’t see me smiling? That’s my answer to you.”
His response drew laughter from journalists in attendance, but the message was clear: the Black Stars coach does not believe there is any outside interference in his squad selection process.
The issue of external influence has frequently surfaced whenever national team squads are announced, with fans often questioning whether coaches have full authority over player call-ups.
However, Queiroz’s comments appeared to firmly shut down such suggestions as he continues preparations for Ghana’s fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.
The Black Stars are currently camped in Cardiff ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Wales, which will serve as the team’s final test before the tournament in North America.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia, with the Black Stars hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.