GFA appoints Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach

The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), in collaboration with key football stakeholders, has officially appointed experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars.

The appointment marks a significant step in Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Queiroz, a highly respected figure in global football coaching circles, brings with him decades of international experience at both club and national team levels. His appointment is expected to strengthen Ghana’s technical direction as the team aims for a strong showing on the world stage.

The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach is no stranger to World Cup football. Over the course of his career, he has built a solid reputation for guiding national teams through demanding qualification campaigns and competitive tournament environments.

He notably led South Africa to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, although he did not continue with the team at the tournament. He later guided Portugal to the knockout stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level of international football.

Queiroz also managed Iran at both the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, where his tactical discipline and defensive organization earned widespread praise. Under his leadership, Iran established itself as a difficult opponent on the global stage.

Beyond World Cup tournaments, Queiroz has gained coaching experience across multiple continents, including roles in Egypt, Oman, Japan, and Qatar. His diverse background is expected to be a key asset in shaping the Black Stars’ strategy and improving team performance ahead of the global competition.

According to the GFA, Queiroz is expected to begin work immediately, focusing on preparations for the tournament scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026.

Ghana has been drawn into a challenging group and will begin its campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, in Toronto, Canada. The Black Stars will then face football powerhouses England and Croatia in their remaining group matches.

With Queiroz at the helm, Ghana will be aiming to combine tactical discipline with experienced leadership in hopes of advancing beyond the group stage and making a strong impact at the 2026 World Cup.