Ghana has turned to one of the most experienced tacticians in international football to salvage its 2026 World Cup ambitions, announcing that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars.
The 73-year-old veteran arrives at a moment of significant instability for the national team. The appointment follows a turbulent two-week search triggered by the dismissal of Otto Addo on March 30, just 72 days before the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Queiroz, who has managed national teams at five different World Cups, begins his tenure immediately. The move is viewed as a calculated attempt by the GFA to bring immediate discipline and tactical sophistication to a squad that has struggled in its final preparations.
“This is not just another job — This proves a mission,” Queiroz said in a statement released through the GFA. “And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of People.”
A desperate search for stability
The decision to hire Queiroz comes after a collapse in form that left the GFA in a state of crisis. Despite Otto Addo’s success in qualifying the team—winning eight and drawing one of ten qualifiers—the Black Stars entered a tailspin during their pre-tournament friendlies.
The team suffered four consecutive defeats, including a 5-1 loss to Austria in Vienna and a final 2-1 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart on March 30. That last result prompted the GFA to act within hours, dismissing Addo to avoid a total loss of confidence heading into the tournament.
GFA president Kurt Okraku revealed the scale of the interest in the vacancy, stating that the association received over 600 applications within the first 24 hours of Addo’s departure, even though no public call for candidates had been issued.
Queiroz emerged as the choice over several other high-profile candidates. Slaven Bilic, the former West Ham United and Croatia manager, had been a frontrunner after direct discussions with the GFA. Other names on the shortlist included Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet and Swedish coach Kim Lars Bjorkgren. Former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah, currently with Sudan, was also considered, though sources indicate a strained relationship between Appiah and Okraku hindered a potential return.
The pedigree of a global strategist
By bringing in Queiroz, Ghana is betting on a resume that spans nearly every major footballing region. Born in Mozambique, Queiroz first gained international acclaim by leading Portugal’s youth teams to consecutive FIFA U20 World Cup titles in 1989 and 1991, mentoring future stars like Luis Figo and Rui Costa.
His club career includes high-pressure roles at Real Madrid, where he won the Spanish Super Cup in the 2003-04 season, and a long tenure as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager at Manchester United between 2002 and 2008.
Queiroz is no stranger to the African continent or the specific pressures of its national teams. He previously qualified South Africa for the 2002 World Cup and more recently led Egypt to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where they eventually fell to Senegal on penalties.
His most enduring international success came with Iran, where he became the longest-serving coach in the nation’s history. Between 2011 and 2022, he led Iran to three separate World Cup appearances, establishing them as a disciplined and difficult opponent on the global stage.
Roadmap to the 2026 World Cup
The appointment is structured as a short-term arrangement. Sources close to the GFA indicate that the contract runs through the conclusion of the World Cup, at which point the association will re-evaluate its long-term leadership. We find indications that the GFA may still be interested in Herve Renard—the former Zambia and Ivory Coast coach—for a more permanent role in the future.
Queiroz now faces a grueling sprint to prepare the squad for Group L. Ghana’s schedule is demanding, featuring a mix of emerging nations and traditional powerhouses.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17 | Panama | BMO Field | Toronto, Canada |
| June 23 | England | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, USA |
| June 27 | Croatia | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, USA |
The Black Stars will attempt to make their fifth World Cup appearance, seeking to improve upon recent group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022. The squad possesses significant talent, including West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, but they arrive at the tournament having failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco—their first such absence in 21 years.
To refine his tactics and assess the roster, Queiroz is scheduled to lead the team through friendlies against Mexico and Wales. These matches will serve as the final litmus test for a team that has struggled for identity and results over the last few months.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the team will be the announcement of the provisional squad list and the commencement of the pre-tournament training camp.
Do you think a veteran like Carlos Queiroz is the right choice for the Black Stars at this stage? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
