World Cup 2026: Derek Boateng questions Carlos Queiroz's team selection after Ghana's exit

Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has blamed head coach Carlos Queiroz's team selection for the Black Stars' disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the round of 32.

Ghana's World Cup journey came to an end at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, July 4, after Jhon Arias' first-half strike secured victory for the South Americans.

Boateng, who represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, believes Queiroz's selection decisions disrupted the team's balance and allowed Colombia to dominate proceedings from the opening whistle.

The Portuguese tactician recalled Lawrence Ati-Zigi to the starting lineup after the goalkeeper recovered from injury, replacing Benjamin Asare, while defender Jonas Adjetey, who had impressed during the group stage, was surprisingly omitted in favour of Pafos FC centre-back Derick Luckassen.

Speaking on GTV SportsPlus, Boateng criticised Ghana's performance, insisting the Black Stars were second best throughout the encounter, particularly in midfield where they struggled to compete for loose balls.

"We didn't play our game from the beginning; the Colombians dictated the game for us; they played the type of game they wanted to play," Boateng said.

"And we were just chasing them all the time, and what is sad is that we lost all the second balls in the game.

"We couldn't win any second balls, and that's what they were doing; they hurt so much with the second balls, and they pass the ball so easily."

The former midfielder also questioned the decision to leave Benjamin Asare out of the starting lineup, arguing that player selection was crucial in a high-stakes knockout fixture.

"It's got to be important that the players the coach will choose for the first eleven because I don't know why Asare didn't play," he added.

"It's really important with the kind of players you put in this game because it's not every player you can put in this kind of game."

Boateng further suggested that Ghana had the right personnel to match Colombia's intensity but failed to utilise them.

"You need players who can run, who can match the Colombians, and we had those players on the bench.

"I don't blame the players; I have to look at the coaching because the coaches, what are they doing there?

"So for me, I feel like from the start of the game we lost already because of the players chosen."

Colombia took the lead in the 14th minute when Jhon Arias converted from close range after being set up by Luis Suárez. The early goal proved decisive as Ghana struggled to find a breakthrough despite their efforts for the remainder of the contest.

The Black Stars reached the knockout stage as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group L. Their campaign included a 1-0 victory over Panama, a goalless draw against England and a 2-1 defeat to Croatia.

Following Ghana's elimination, Queiroz announced his resignation after taking charge on a short-term contract in April.

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September, as they seek to rebuild for the next phase of international competition.

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