Former Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has urged fans and the football community to support new Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz as the national team prepares for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Queiroz, the former Egypt, Iran and Colombia manager, was appointed on a four-month contract following the dismissal of Otto Addo in March. Addo left his role after Ghana suffered consecutive defeats against Austria and Germany in friendly matches staged as part of preparations for the global tournament.
Gyan, Ghana’s all-time leading scorer and a veteran of three World Cups, said the Portuguese coach’s experience and achievements in international football should command respect ahead of the competition.
Speaking to Channel One TV, the former striker said: “Bringing in a new coach, we shouldnt look down on the coach because he is one of the best coaches when we talk about CVs and everything.”
The 40-year-old, who represented Ghana at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups, believes Queiroz’s track record places him among the most accomplished managers currently involved in international football.
The Black Stars are set to make their fifth appearance at the World Cup and face a challenging task after being drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on 17 June before taking on England six days later. Their final group match will come against Croatia on 27 June.
The team is also scheduled to play two warm-up matches before the tournament begins. Ghana will first face Mexico on 22 May before meeting Wales on 2 June in their final preparatory game prior to travelling to North America.
Queiroz takes charge of the Black Stars at a critical moment following uncertainty surrounding the team after Addo’s departure. Ghana’s recent defeats against Austria and Germany intensified scrutiny over the side’s readiness for the tournament and prompted changes within the coaching set-up.
Despite those concerns, Gyan has called for unity behind the new manager as the country seeks to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.
Queiroz arrives with extensive international experience, having previously managed several national teams across different continents. His appointment is seen as an attempt to steady the Black Stars ahead of a demanding group campaign.
Ghana’s previous World Cup appearances have produced memorable moments, including a run to the quarter-finals in 2010, where Gyan played a central role. The former Sunderland and Al Ain forward remains one of the country’s most recognisable football figures and his backing of Queiroz is likely to carry significant weight among supporters.
The Black Stars now enter the final phase of their preparations with hopes of improving performances before the tournament gets under way in June.
Attention will focus on the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Wales as Queiroz seeks to assess his squad and build momentum before Ghana open their World Cup campaign against Panama.
