Queiroz Named Ghana Head Coach Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Campaign

Ghana have turned to Carlos Queiroz as head coach for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, handing the experienced tactician the Black Stars job just 78 days after Otto Addo was dismissed following a defeat to Germany.

Addo departed despite Ghana finishing first in their World Cup qualifying group, where they lost only one of 10 matches, winning eight and drawing one, yet the failure to reach the recent Africa Cup of Nations proved decisive for Ghana’s football leadership.

The Ghana Football Association now place their World Cup plans in the hands of Queiroz, who at 73 will guide a national team at a fifth straight edition of FIFA’s showpiece tournament, after previous appearances with Portugal and Iran across earlier campaigns.

Queiroz has already spoken about the scale of the challenge and the opportunity with Ghana, underlining long-term commitment to the Black Stars project and describing the position as more than a standard coaching role as preparations intensify for the summer tournament.

"It is with a deep sense of gratitude to GFA, responsibility and humility that I embrace this new chapter with the National Football Team of Ghana. Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys, all over the world," Queiroz said. "Today, I accept this mission with the same passion and commitment that have guided me throughout my career. Ghana is a nation of talent, pride, and footballing soul. I arrive with respect for its history and belief in its future. Together, with unity, discipline, and ambition, we will work to honour the expectations of a great football nation. This is not just another jobit is a mission. And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people."

Before accepting the Ghana role, Queiroz coached Portugal to the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup, then managed Iran at the next three tournaments, where Iran collected three victories from 13 World Cup matches under Queiroz, reflecting steady tournament experience at the highest international level.

More recently, Queiroz led Oman, overseeing 12 fixtures that produced four victories, four draws and four defeats, a balanced record that still offered competitive displays; Ghana will now look for greater consistency as Queiroz switches focus to World Cup preparations and squad decisions.

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Ghana’s immediate schedule under Queiroz is already fixed, with the first match in charge set for May 22, followed by two friendly games against Mexico and Wales that will help shape the group for a World Cup pool containing England, Panama and Croatia in Group L.

Expectations around the Black Stars will stay high after strong World Cup qualifying form, and Queiroz’s task now centres on turning that promise into tournament results as Ghana enter a challenging group, aiming to match the nation’s football heritage on a global stage.