Ghana have appointed experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, with the 73-year-old expected to arrive in the country this week alongside five members of his technical staff as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Queiroz, who has agreed a short-term deal, takes over the role following the dismissal of Otto Addo. The former coach was relieved of his duties after Ghana suffered back-to-back friendly defeats against Austria and Germany in March, prompting the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to make a swift managerial change.
The arrival of Queiroz is set to trigger a significant restructuring of the national team’s technical setup. Reports indicate that several changes have already been made to accommodate the incoming coach and his team. Winfried Schäfer, who served as technical advisor and director of football at the GFA, has reportedly been dismissed. High-performance coach John Paintsil has also left his position.
Further adjustments are expected, with additional members of the current backroom staff likely to step aside to create room for Queiroz’s preferred personnel.
The GFA is planning an official unveiling of the new coach later this week. Following that ceremony, Queiroz will be formally introduced to Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, in line with official procedures.
Attention will then quickly turn to preparations on the pitch. Ghana are scheduled to play friendly matches against Mexico and Wales on 2 June, fixtures seen as crucial to fine-tuning the squad ahead of the World Cup.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L for the tournament. Their campaign will begin on 17 June against Panama, before further group-stage matches against England on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June.
Queiroz brings extensive experience at the highest level of international football. His previous achievements include leading South Africa to qualification for the 2002 World Cup, guiding Portugal to the knockout stages in 2010, and managing Iran at both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments.
Ghana will be hoping that his track record can help stabilise the team and improve their fortunes on the global stage. The Black Stars endured early exits in both the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, results that have increased pressure on the team to deliver a stronger performance in 2026.
With time limited before the tournament begins, Queiroz faces the immediate challenge of reshaping the squad and instilling a clear tactical identity. His appointment signals a decisive move by the GFA to draw on experience as Ghana aim to compete more effectively against top international opposition.
