In a unexpected turn of events that has caught the attention of global football circles, 73-year-old veteran football manager Carlos Queiroz has been reappointed as the head coach of Ghana’s men’s senior national team, the Black Stars, just months after his apparent departure following the 2024 FIFA World Cup.
Queiroz first took the helm of the West African side in April this year, and steered the squad through a solid World Cup campaign that saw them advance to the round of 16, where they bowed out with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia. Immediately after that final match, the experienced manager seemed to confirm his exit via a social media post, leading many to assume his tenure with Ghana had come to a close.
However, after a series of internal deliberations, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has opted to bring Queiroz back for a second spell in charge. While the governing body has not yet released details on the length of his new contract, it confirmed in an official statement that the manager will be tasked with guiding the Black Stars into what the association calls “a successful new phase on the international stage”.
“The GFA believes Queiroz’s extensive international experience, technical expertise and knowledge of the Black Stars position him strongly to lead the team into this next chapter,” the statement read.
Queiroz brings an unparalleled level of global tournament experience to the role, having managed at five consecutive FIFA World Cups— a rare achievement for any coach. Prior to his first stint with Ghana, he has led national sides including Iran, Portugal, Egypt, South Africa, Colombia and Qatar at the highest level of international competition. He also previously built his reputation as a top tactical mind during two separate stints as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at English Premier League giants Manchester United.
The GFA noted that further details surrounding Queiroz’s new mandate, including contract terms and performance targets, will be made public at a later date. Queiroz will kick off his second tenure with the Black Stars immediately, leading the team into 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are set to kick off later this month.
Ghana has been drawn into Group C for the qualifiers, where they will face off against regional powerhouses Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia. At present, the Black Stars have not yet confirmed the dates or host venues for their first two qualifying fixtures.