Carlos Queiroz has coached at World Cups with Portugal, Iran, Colombia and Egypt.

Now, just two months after taking charge of Ghana, the veteran manager is preparing for his fifth FIFA World Cup as a head coach—and perhaps one of the biggest challenges of his international career.

The 73-year-old leads the Black Stars into their opening Group L clash against Panama knowing that every point could prove crucial in a group that also includes England and Croatia.

Yet despite the pressure surrounding Ghana's return to the global stage, Queiroz remains calm, focused and determined.

Keeping His Plans Secret

Speaking ahead of the match in Toronto, Queiroz refused to reveal any details regarding his starting lineup.

Instead, he emphasized that every member of the 26-man squad remains in contention until the final hours before kickoff.

"We have our plan ready," Queiroz said.

"At this moment, we are counting on all 26 players in the squad. Tomorrow we will make the final decisions and determine the starting lineup."

The Portuguese coach has spent the last several weeks evaluating his options and building chemistry within a squad assembled under challenging circumstances.

With limited preparation time and a difficult group ahead, every selection decision could have a major impact on Ghana's tournament.

Partey Situation Ends in Disappointment

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Ghana's preparations has been the uncertainty involving Thomas Partey.

At the time of Queiroz's press conference, the midfielder was still awaiting the outcome of an appeal related to a visa issue.

The Ghana coach deliberately avoided discussing the matter in detail.

"The story is still open," he said.

"We are waiting for a decision and when it comes, we will be ready to make the final approach to the game."

Shortly after the press conference, however, the decision was confirmed.

The appeal was rejected, ruling Partey out of Ghana's opening match against Panama.

It is a significant setback for the Black Stars, who lose one of their most experienced players ahead of a crucial encounter.

"The Only Medicine in Football Is Winning"

Asked whether the Panama match should be viewed as a must-win fixture, Queiroz delivered a response that perfectly reflected his football philosophy.

"Our value is not based on intentions or wishes," he said.

"Our value is based on results."

"The only medicine that works in football is winning."

For a manager with more than three decades of international experience, success has always been measured by what happens on the pitch.

And when journalists pushed further, asking whether this particular match felt like a do-or-die moment, Queiroz's answer was immediate.

"I never remember playing a match in my life that wasn't a must-win."

The message was clear: regardless of the opponent, the objective never changes.

Confidence Despite the Challenge

Ghana enter the tournament ranked 72nd in the world, making them the lowest-ranked team in Group L.

Panama, ranked 30th, arrive with momentum and confidence of their own.

However, the Central Americans will be without one of their most influential players, midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who continues to recover from a muscle injury and is not expected to start.

Queiroz acknowledged Panama's strengths but insisted his team has the qualities needed to cause problems.

"Of course, Panama have weaknesses."

"Our job is to find them."

"And I believe we have solutions to their strengths."

The coach then highlighted the attributes he believes can carry Ghana forward.

"We have experience."

"We have quality."

"We have speed and skill."

"We are strong in one-on-one situations and we must show those strengths during the match."

Climbing the Mountain

Despite his confidence, Queiroz remains realistic about the challenge facing his side.

With England and Croatia still to come after Panama, Ghana face one of the toughest group-stage paths in the tournament.

"We know where we are."

"We know the size of the mountain standing in front of us."

The coach understands that progression will require discipline, belief and collective effort from everyone involved.

But he also believes the fans have a critical role to play.

Calling on the Twelfth Man

Toronto is expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere for Ghana's opener.

The city is home to a large Ghanaian community, and thousands of supporters are expected to fill the stands with the nation's red, gold and green colours.

Queiroz hopes their energy can inspire his players throughout the tournament.

"We need our twelfth player."

"I expect our fans to be there and support us from beginning to end."

Panama will also have strong backing inside the stadium, but Queiroz ended his media appearance with an emotional appeal to Ghana's supporters.

"We know their fans will be there as well."

"But I hope the drums of Ghana will beat for 90 minutes."

"I hope they help accelerate the heartbeat of our players."

Focused on the Mission

As kickoff approaches, Ghana find themselves facing uncertainty, pressure and high expectations.

They are without one of their key midfielders, led by a coach who has had only a short time to prepare, and must navigate one of the toughest groups in the competition.

Yet Queiroz remains convinced his team can rise to the challenge.

For the experienced Portuguese coach, the equation is simple.

Forget the distractions.

Forget the excuses.

Forget the predictions.

Win the game.

Because as far as Carlos Queiroz is concerned, every World Cup match is a must-win.