Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed heartfelt solidarity with victims of the devastating floods that swept through parts of Accra, insisting the national team’s thoughts remain firmly with Ghanaians despite their preparations for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Speaking from the team’s training base in the United States on Tuesday, Queiroz said the tragedy has deeply affected the players and technical staff, who are gearing up for Saturday’s crucial knockout clash against Colombia.
“The images and reports from home are heartbreaking, and even though we are here preparing for our World Cup match against Colombia, our thoughts have not left Ghana,” Queiroz said in a statement.
Heavy rains pounded Accra on Monday, triggering widespread flooding across several communities, destroying homes, displacing families and claiming lives. According to President John Dramani Mahama, about 140 millimetres of rain fell on the capital in a single day—more than double the highest daily rainfall recorded in 2025. Following an aerial inspection of the affected areas, the President described the scale of the destruction as extensive.
For Queiroz, however, football has taken a back seat as the country mourns.
“To the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been displaced from their homes, and everyone affected—we are with you,” the Portuguese coach said.
“In moments like this, we are reminded that football is secondary. Ghana is one family. When Accra suffers, we all suffer.”
The Black Stars have been preparing intensely for their first knockout match of the tournament after securing qualification from the group stage. Victory over Colombia would send Ghana into the Round of 16 and keep alive hopes of matching—or even surpassing—the country’s historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup.
Queiroz believes the team now has an added source of motivation.
“We will give everything to make you proud and to bring some hope in this difficult time,” he said.
“Stay strong, Accra. Stay strong, Ghana. We stand with you.”
The coach’s message has resonated strongly with supporters back home, many of whom continue to battle the aftermath of the floods while rallying behind the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign.
