The Ghana Football Association has officially named veteran Portuguese strategist Carlos Queiroz as the new manager of the senior national team. This high-profile appointment comes as the Black Stars gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. According to an official communication released on Monday, the decision was finalized by the GFA Executive Council in coordination with major stakeholders, ensuring Queiroz assumes his duties immediately to prepare for the tournament’s opening on June 11, 2026.
“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 stated.
The 73-year-old tactician arrives with an illustrious pedigree, having navigated the complexities of the world’s biggest football stage on four prior occasions. His managerial journey includes securing qualification for South Africa in 2002, guiding Portugal into the 2010 knockout rounds, and leading Iran through the 2014 and 2018 group stages. Throughout these campaigns, Queiroz has managed 13 World Cup fixtures, accumulating a record of three victories, four draws, and six losses.
“The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” the statement added.
The GFA underscored the breadth of Queiroz’s international career, which spans diverse footballing cultures in Egypt, Oman, Japan, and Qatar. This global expertise is viewed as a vital asset for a Ghanaian side looking to restore its reputation on the international stage. The shift in leadership follows the departure of Otto Addo on March 31, a move prompted by a disappointing streak that saw the team fail to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and suffer friendly defeats against Germany and Austria.
Despite boasting top-tier talent like Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus, the squad has struggled for consistency in recent months. Queiroz now faces the immediate task of readying his players for a demanding Group Stage. Ghana is scheduled to initiate their World Cup journey in Toronto against Panama on June 17, 2026, followed by critical encounters against heavyweights England and Croatia.
