By: Isaac Darko Boamah
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed veteran Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as Head Coach of the Black Stars, handing him the mandate to qualify the nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 71-year-old replaces Otto Addo, who stepped down after Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Queiroz’s immediate task is to steer the Black Stars through the ongoing African qualifiers for the expanded 48-team tournament to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Pedigree and World Cup Experience
Queiroz brings over three decades of top-level coaching experience. He led Portugal at the 2010 World Cup and guided Iran to the 2014 and 2018 editions. His CV also includes stints as head coach of Colombia and Egypt, whom he took to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Beyond national teams, Queiroz served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s long-time assistant at Manchester United and managed Real Madrid during the 2003–2004 season. He is widely credited with developing young talent and is known for tactical discipline, defensive organization, and pragmatism with emerging football nations.
Mandate from the GFA
In a statement, the GFA said Queiroz has been tasked to “build a competitive, modern Black Stars squad, instill tactical discipline, and restore Ghana’s place on the world stage.” The Association confirmed he will take charge ahead of Ghana’s next round of qualifiers in June.
Ghana currently sits in Group I of the CAF qualifiers alongside Mali, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros, and Chad. Only the group winner secures automatic qualification, with runners-up entering a playoff path.
What Next
Details of Queiroz’s contract duration and salary were not disclosed. The GFA said his backroom staff, including assistants and technical advisors, will be announced in the coming days after consultations.
Queiroz becomes the latest foreign coach to lead the Black Stars, following Milovan Rajevac, Avram Grant, and Chris Hughton. His appointment signals the GFA’s intent to bank on proven World Cup experience to navigate Africa’s tough qualifying route.
The Black Stars are four-time AFCON champions but have not reached a World Cup since 2014, when they exited at the group stage in Brazil.
