Ghana appoints veteran tactician Carlos Queiroz to steer Black Stars into 2026 World Cup

Ghana has named Portuguese veteran Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the men’s national team, a move made less than two months before the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that Queiroz will assume immediate responsibility for the squad’s tournament preparations, working alongside key stakeholders to finalize the roster.

“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 GFA said in an official statement.

At 73, Queiroz recently departed his role as Oman’s manager after the side failed to qualify for the World Cup, but his appointment marks his fifth consecutive World Cup appearance, this time guiding Ghana.

Ghana found itself without a coach 72 days before the tournament after parting ways with Otto Addo following friendly defeats to Austria and Germany in March.

Queiroz’s World Cup résumé includes leading Portugal to the round of 16 in 2010 and steering Iran through three editions, recording three wins in 13 matches.

Born in Mozambique, the former goalkeeper has also managed Egypt, Japan, Colombia and South Africa, and previously helmed Portugal in the early 1990s.

“This is not just another job – it is a mission,” Queiroz said. “I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people.”

He was chosen from more than 600 local and foreign applications because of his extensive World Cup experience.

Ghana have been drawn into Group L alongside Croatia, England and Panama.

The Black Stars will fine‑tune their tactics in warm‑up matches against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2.