Carlos Queiroz Named Ghana Coach, Eyes 2026 World Cup Breakthrough

Queiroz takes charge of Ghana, promises open selection and local talent boost

Ghana names Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He retains Desmond Offei, Fatawu Dauda and John Paintsil, calls it his toughest job, and targets Group L success.

Ghana unveils Carlos Queiroz as head coach ahead of tough World Cup G

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Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz was presented as the new Black Stars head coach on Thursday, speaking to the media ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Carlos Queiroz has been officially unveiled as head coach of Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, after a short but busy arrival in the country.

The Portuguese coach landed in Accra on Wednesday before meeting Sports Minister Kofi Adams on Thursday morning.

He was later introduced to the media at the Alisa Hotel, where he spoke publicly for the first time as Ghana coach.

Backroom Staff to Stay On

The unveiling addressed questions over Queiroz’s backroom staff. Ghana FA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum confirmed that several current members of the technical team will stay on.

 

“Assistant coach Desmond Offei, goalkeepers trainer Fatawu Dauda, and high-performance coach John Paintsil are among the technical team members who will stay on,” he revealed.

The move provides continuity for Queiroz as he starts work with little time before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz: “Toughest Job of My Career”

Despite managing Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Portugal national team in his decorated career, Queiroz called the Ghana job the toughest challenge he has faced.

“I have handled many teams in my career, but this is the biggest challenge I have ever faced,” he said.

“Since arriving, I have felt the enormous soul of the Black Stars, and that means the dreams and expectations are equally huge. I’m ready for it. Let’s do it together.”

He added: “To be part of this sports family is an honour and a privilege for me. To lead this African country to the World Cup will be an unforgettable memory in my life.”

Queiroz Vows Winning Mentality

Queiroz takes over with Ghana on a run of four straight defeats. But the 71-year-old was clear about his philosophy.

“My players must be ready to fight and win. It’s not about promises. What I guarantee is that we will play to win,” he stated.

“The only medicine for Ghana football and the world is to win. In this moment, 99.9% of my focus is on success at the World Cup.

“Ghana will not only be a country of football, but a country of champions.”

No Guaranteed Spots Under Queiroz

  

Speaking on selection, Queiroz stressed that neither reputation nor where a player is based will secure them a spot in his squad.

“A national team is a house without windows and doors. There are no shortcuts into it,” he explained.

🎥 Scenes from Head Coach Carlos Queiroz’s press conference in Accra. 🇬🇭#BlackStars pic.twitter.com/2wTVMQMFPB

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) April 23, 2026

“Whether you play locally or abroad is irrelevant; what matters is quality. If local players show they are good enough, they will absolutely be included.

“Nobody owns the national team shirt. It’s my job to give a fair opportunity. It’s my job that the ones that wear the jersey truly deserve it.”

Local Talent Gets World Cup Shot

Short on time, Queiroz has asked the Ghana Football Association to gather the top local players under the Black Galaxies setup.

What did you take away from Carlos Queiroz’s press conference?#3Sports pic.twitter.com/4lVS2iUgDY

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) April 23, 2026

This will let him evaluate local talent up close, with impressive players in line for a spot in his provisional World Cup squad.

Around 35 players are currently in camp with coach Kassim Ocansey, preparing for the friendly set for May 22nd.

 

Players like Benjamin Asare and Salim Adams are expected to play as they try to impress and earn places in the Black Stars squad.

 

Some of them could also feature in Ghana’s upcoming friendly against Mexico in May.

Ghana football association unveils Carlos Queiroz as @GhanaBlackstars Head Coach #SAYSPORTS #CopyWisely pic.twitter.com/NLI1skRS62

— SAY SPORTS (@SAYSportsCo) April 23, 2026

Tough Group Awaits Ghana

Focus now turns to 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations. Ghana will play Mexico and Wales in high-profile friendlies, with talks ongoing for a final warm-up game against a team from a similar region to Panama.

At the tournament, Ghana are in Group L with England, Panama and Croatia.

  

With expectations high and little time left, the new Black Stars coach faces a big task as he aims to take Ghana past the group stage for the first time since 2010.