Carlos Queiroz: “It Is an Honour to Lead Ghana to the World Cup”

Newly appointed Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has spoken of his pride and excitement after taking charge of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The experienced Portuguese tactician met Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, on Thursday ahead of his official unveiling at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

Speaking briefly before the ceremony, Queiroz described his appointment as both an honour and a deeply personal moment in his coaching career.

“To be part of Ghana’s sporting family is an honour and a privilege for me.

I have strong African roots, having been born and raised in Mozambique, so to lead an African country such as Ghana at the World Cup is an unforgettable moment in my life.

Thank you for your support and for welcoming me into the family.”

Short-Term Deal, Big Expectations

Queiroz has reportedly signed a four-month contract, with his immediate task centred on preparing Ghana for this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars will make their fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament and have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

With time limited and expectations high, the former Real Madrid manager is expected to outline his tactical philosophy and plans for the squad during his unveiling.

Vast World Cup Experience

Few coaches arrive with a résumé as extensive as Queiroz’s. The 73-year-old has managed seven national teams and boasts significant World Cup pedigree.

He guided South Africa to the 2002 World Cup, Portugal in 2010, and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

His international managerial career has also included spells with Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Colombia and Egypt.

One of his notable achievements came in 2021 when he led Egypt to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were narrowly beaten by Senegal.

Distinguished Club Career

At club level, Queiroz has managed Sporting CP, New York/New Jersey MetroStars and Real Madrid.

He also enjoyed two spells as assistant manager to legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, helping the club during one of the most successful eras in its history.

A New Chapter for Ghana

Although Queiroz is yet to win a major senior trophy as a head coach, his experience, global reputation and understanding of tournament football make him a compelling appointment.

For Ghana, the mission is clear: harness his vast expertise and aim for a memorable campaign on the world stage.

About The Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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