The Ghana Football Association (GFA) appointed Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the men’s national team on Monday. The decision places Queiroz in charge of the Black Stars less than two months before the FIFA World Cup begins.
The appointment follows the dismissal of Otto Addo, who was sacked after recent friendly defeats against Austria and Germany in March. Ghana was left without a head coach 72 days prior to the tournament kickoff.
"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 said in an official statement.
Queiroz, 73, takes over the coaching duties immediately to oversee tournament preparations. He arrives in Ghana following his departure from the Oman national team last month, a role he left after the side failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Extensive Tournament Pedigree
The GFA selected Queiroz from a pool of more than 600 local and foreign applicants. The committee cited his extensive World Cup experience as a primary factor in the decision.
Queiroz brings a significant history of managing on the world stage. He previously led Portugal to the round of 16 during the 2010 World Cup and managed Iran during their last three tournament appearances. During his tenure with Iran, he recorded three wins in 13 matches. This appointment marks his fifth consecutive appearance as a coach at a World Cup.
The former goalkeeper’s coaching career spans several continents. He has held prominent positions with the national teams of Egypt, Japan, Colombia, and South Africa. His early coaching career also included a stint leading the Portuguese national team in the early 1990s.
"This is not just another job – it is a mission," Queiroz said in a statement. "And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people."
Ghana faces a challenging path in Group L, where they are drawn alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The squad will attempt to build momentum through upcoming friendly fixtures.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Mexico on May 22. They will follow that match with a second warm-up against Wales on June 2.
