Key Takeaways:
- Carlos Queiroz was named head coach of Ghana’s men national team less than two months before the World Cup
- Queiroz will make his fifth consecutive appearance as World Cup head coach
- Ghana will compete in Group L with Croatia, England, and Panama, and have warm-up matches scheduled against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2
Queiroz Takes Over Black Stars with World Cup Looming
Carlos Queiroz, the 73-year-old Portuguese tactician, has been officially unveiled as Ghana’s new men’s national team head coach, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed on Monday. Queiroz steps straight into the role with immediate effect, as Ghana intensifies its preparations for the upcoming World Cup, which is set to begin in under two months.
“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 in their announcement.
🚨Carlos Queiroz appointed Head Coach of the Black Stars 🇬🇭🌟
The experienced Portuguese tactician will lead Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing vast international and World Cup experience to the senior national team.
✍🏾 https://t.co/TMXiElosOG#BlackStars pic.twitter.com/0UMULXf7uI
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) April 13, 2026
Coaching Experience and Track Record
Queiroz enters the Ghana post after parting ways with Oman last month. His Omani side did not secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. However, Queiroz remains a seasoned figure on the global stage: this appointment marks his fifth successive World Cup as a head coach. He previously guided Portugal to the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup, then managed Iran through the tournament’s last three editions, achieving three victories from 13 matches in the process.
His extensive CV extends beyond international tournaments. Born in Mozambique, Queiroz brings a wealth of experience from stints with national teams such as Egypt, Japan, Colombia, and South Africa. He also previously managed Portugal during the early 1990s and is a former professional goalkeeper.
Selection Process and Immediate Tasks
The Black Stars found themselves in need of a new coach just 72 days before the tournament, following the departure of Otto Addo, who left his position after Ghana suffered friendly defeats against Austria and Germany in March. Queiroz emerged as the standout choice from a pool of over 600 local and international applicants, largely due to his proven pedigree on football’s biggest stage.
In a statement, Queiroz expressed his commitment to his new role: “This is not just another job – it is a mission,” he said. “And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people.”
World Cup Draw and Preparation Matches
The group stage draw has placed Ghana in Group L, alongside Croatia, England, and Panama, setting the stage for a challenging path ahead. The Black Stars’ build-up to the tournament includes crucial friendlies, with fixtures against Mexico on 22 May and Wales on 2 June.
| World Cup Group L |
|---|
| Ghana |
| Croatia |
| England |
| Panama |
| Ghana Warm-up Fixtures | Date |
|---|---|
| vs Mexico | 22 May |
| vs Wales | 2 June |
