The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially appointed experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars, to lead the side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The Executive Council of the GFA, in consultation with key stakeholders, made the decision to bring in the 73-year-old tactician on what is expected to be a short-term deal focused primarily on Ghana’s campaign at the global showpiece, which kicks off on June 11, 2026. Queiroz takes over following the departure of Otto Addo.
Queiroz brings a wealth of international experience to the Black Stars bench. He previously guided South Africa to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, led Portugal to the knockout stages of the 2010 tournament in South Africa, and managed Iran at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
His résumé also includes stints with national teams such as Egypt, Colombia, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as club roles with Real Madrid and Manchester United (as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson).
The Portuguese tactician is known for his tactical discipline, organisational skills, and ability to get the best out of teams at major tournaments. His appointment is seen as a strategic move by the GFA to inject fresh expertise and World Cup pedigree into the Black Stars setup as they prepare for a challenging group stage.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. According to the fixture list, the Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. They will then face England and Croatia in the remaining group matches.
Queiroz is expected to begin work immediately, working with the technical team to assess the squad, identify areas for improvement, and implement his philosophy ahead of the tournament. With limited time before the World Cup, his immediate focus will be on building cohesion and ensuring Ghana is competitive against strong opponents like England and Croatia.
The appointment comes after the GFA reportedly considered a shortlist of high-profile coaches, including Fernando Santos and Paulo Bento, all with significant international experience. Sports Minister Kofi Adams had earlier indicated that the new coach would be named soon as preparations for the 2026 World Cup intensify.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 13, 2026, GFA announced the appointment, describing it as a key step in Ghana’s quest for success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.