Sports

2026 FIFA World Cup: Carlos Queiroz to lead Black Stars as head coach

The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision, announced in a statement by GFA Communications, follows consultations with key stakeholders aimed at strengthening Ghana’s technical direction before the global tournament.

Queiroz, a vastly experienced manager with a reputation for tactical discipline and defensive organization, takes over immediately and is expected to steer Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His appointment signals a strategic move by the GFA to rely on proven international expertise.

The Portuguese coach has worked across five continents, managing national teams including Portugal, Iran, Egypt, Colombia, Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

At club level, Queiroz has handled top sides such as Real Madrid and Sporting CP, and also served as assistant manager at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, where he gained global recognition for his role in building a dominant team.

His World Cup résumé stands out. Queiroz is among a select group of coaches to have guided multiple nations to football’s biggest tournament.

He led South Africa to qualification in 2002, took Portugal to the knockout stage in 2010, and managed Iran at three consecutive tournaments in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

His long stint with Iran, lasting nearly eight years, made him the country’s longest-serving coach and a central figure in their football development.

Ghana’s campaign in the 2026 tournament begins on June 17 against Panama in Toronto, Canada. The Black Stars will also face England and Croatia in what is expected to be a competitive group.

The tournament itself kicks off on June 11, 2026, across host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

With preparations now underway, attention will turn to how quickly Queiroz can imprint his philosophy on the team and assemble a competitive squad capable of advancing beyond the group stage.