World Cup 2026: Carlos Queiroz says ‘real world championship starts now’ as Ghana set up Colombia clash

Carlos Queiroz has insisted the knockout stage of the World Cup marks a new level of intensity as Ghana prepare for a round-of-32 meeting with Colombia after finishing third in Group L.Croatia secured second place in Group L with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia, a result that confirmed both sides’ progression to the knockout phase but with different routes ahead.”I have just told my players that the real world championship starts in the next round, Queiroz said after the game.The group stage is the warming-up and qualification for the next round is like a credit card but now you have to start paying. Everything goes to the winner, every game is drama, nobody can hide.”Petar Sucic gave Croatia the lead in the 31st minute with a low effort from 30 yards, the first goal Ghana had conceded at the tournament.Ghana responded after the break, with Derrick Luckassen turning in from a set piece after VAR confirmed Kwasi Sibo had not interfered.Nikola Vlasic restored Croatia’s advantage in the 83rd minute from a corner.Croatia will travel to Toronto on July 2 to face the second-placed team from Group K, while Ghana head to Kansas City on July 3 to meet either Colombia.



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