Veteran football tactician Carlos Queiroz, a familiar name in top-tier global football management, has been named the new head coach of Ghana’s men’s national team, the Black Stars, as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. The 73-year-old Portuguese coach steps into the role vacated by Otto Addo, who was dismissed from the position on March 31 following underwhelming results that included back-to-back friendly losses to Germany and Austria, as well as a stunning failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Queiroz brings decades of elite coaching experience to the Ghanaian side, with a resume that includes two separate stints as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at English Premier League giants Manchester United. His first spell at Old Trafford ran from 2002 to 2003, and he returned to the club between 2004 and 2008, a tenure that separated his time as head coach of Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid. Most recently, Queiroz held the top job with Oman’s national team, but he departed the role last month after the side failed to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Born in Mozambique, Queiroz is no stranger to the World Cup stage: if he leads Ghana through this summer’s tournament, it will mark his fifth appearance as a national team head coach at football’s biggest global event. He previously guided Portugal to the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup, and led Iran at the past three consecutive editions of the tournament. Beyond these roles, Queiroz has held senior coaching positions with national teams across four continents, including stints with Egypt, Japan, Colombia and South Africa, and he first took charge of the Portuguese national team in the early 1990s.
In a statement announcing his appointment, Queiroz emphasized his commitment to the new role, saying: “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.”
Ghana has been drawn into Group L for the 2026 World Cup, and will kick off its tournament campaign against Panama on June 17. The side will then face back-to-back tough matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 as it vies for a spot in the knockout stage of the competition.