Ghana Appoint Carlos Queiroz as New Head Coach Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has named Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the senior national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

In an official statement released on Monday, the GFA confirmed that its Executive Council, working alongside relevant stakeholders, approved Queiroz’s appointment. He is expected to immediately take charge as Ghana begins early preparations for the tournament scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026 across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

“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.

Queiroz arrives with a wealth of international tournament experience, having been involved in four different FIFA World Cup editions. His past roles include guiding South Africa to qualification for the 2002 tournament, leading Portugal to the Round of 16 in 2010, and managing Iran in both the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. Across those tournaments, he has overseen 13 matches, recording three wins, four draws and six defeats.

“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 further pointed to his extensive managerial career across different continents, including spells in Egypt, Oman, Japan and Qatar, noting that his experience is expected to boost Ghana’s preparations for the global tournament.

The 73-year-old’s arrival follows Ghana’s decision to part ways with Otto Addo on March 31 after a disappointing run of results, including friendly losses to Germany and Austria. The Black Stars had also suffered four consecutive defeats and failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite featuring several Premier League-based players such as Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo.

Ghana national football team will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026 in Toronto, before taking on England and Croatia in what is expected to be a highly competitive group.