Ghana appoint Queiroz for 2026 World Cup
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Ghana has appointed Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of their national football team, the Black Stars.
- Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience, having previously managed Portugal, Iran, and South Africa in the tournament.
- His appointment follows Ghana's recent poor run of results and failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana has taken a significant step in its quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by appointing experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as the head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars. This strategic decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) signals a clear ambition to leverage Queiroz's vast international coaching pedigree, particularly his four previous World Cup appearances.
Queiroz is no stranger to the global stage, having guided South Africa in 2002, Portugal to the knockout stages in 2010, and Iran in both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments. His extensive experience across multiple continents, including spells in Egypt, Oman, Japan, and Qatar, is expected to be instrumental in preparing the Black Stars for the challenges ahead in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars.
The appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Ghanaian football, following a disappointing period marked by a series of poor results. The Black Stars recently parted ways with Otto Addo after a string of defeats in friendly matches against Germany and Austria, and crucially, failed to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This underperformance, despite having players based in top leagues like the Premier League, underscored the need for a change in leadership.
Queiroz's immediate task will be to steer Ghana's campaign for the 2026 World Cup, with preparations beginning immediately. The team's World Cup journey is set to commence against Panama on June 17, 2026, in Toronto, followed by challenging group stage matches against England and Croatia. The GFA's confidence in Queiroz reflects a hope that his tactical acumen and World Cup know-how will reignite the team's fortunes and restore Ghana's standing in African and global football.
The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghanaโs campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.