Carlos Queiroz has been named the new head coach of Ghana, stepping into the role with the expectation of managing the Black Stars for a brief period as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The GFA has set Queiroz a clear and ambitious goal: to bring Ghana to the quarter-finals of the tournament—a milestone the Black Stars haven’t achieved since their memorable journey in South Africa in 2010.

This move comes on the heels of Otto Addo’s dramatic dismissal in the early hours of March 31st, following Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Germany in Stuttgart.

Just three days prior, Addo had presided over a harsh 5-1 defeat to Austria—Ghana’s worst loss in nearly two decades—which prompted GFA president Kurt Okraku to swiftly conclude his tenure after extensive discussions with the sports ministry.

Under Addo, the team recorded a win percentage of only 36.4 over 22 matches, and reports suggested he had lost the confidence of the players, a key factor that influenced the GFA’s decision.

Immediately following Addo’s exit, the search for his successor began, with the GFA receiving between 600 and 800 applications in the days that followed.

Why Queiroz Emerged as the Top Choice

Among the possible candidates, Paulo Bento and Fernando Santos were considered alongside Queiroz, but it appears the GFA has chosen the former Manchester United assistant for various reasons beyond just coaching experience.

A significant advantage is Queiroz’s previous experience with African football. He has been down this path before, managing Egypt to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and previously overseeing South Africa.

Moreover, he had expressed interest in the Cameroon job back in 2018, highlighting his long-standing enthusiasm for African football—an aspect noted by the GFA during their evaluation process. Neither Bento nor Santos could match his depth of relevant experience.

A Flexible Mindset Sealed His Selection

Queiroz’s adaptability with his coaching staff also played a crucial role in his appointment.

Although he is expected to bring at least six members of his own technical crew, including trusted assistant Roger De Sa, he has shown a willingness to incorporate some of the existing team from Addo’s era. This flexibility was seen as vital by the GFA, as retaining some familiar faces would aid Queiroz’s transition into the role, minimising the disruption that often accompanies a coaching change.

Establishing continuity behind the scenes, even amid a head coach change, was considered a pragmatic approach, especially with limited time left before the World Cup.

A Resume Designed for High-Stakes Scenarios

Queiroz’s appointment brings a wealth of experience and authority to the role, qualities the GFA has been seeking following Okraku’s definition of their ideal candidate profile last week.

The man who served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Manchester United, who managed Real Madrid, led Iran to three World Cups, and took Portugal to the semi-finals in 2010, is well-versed in high-pressure situations and the demands of international tournament football.

With experience at five World Cups across different nations, he has navigated complex dressing rooms and earned a reputation as a tactically sharp and thorough strategist, preparing his teams diligently for upcoming challenges.

This blend of experience and his African football background made him the preferred candidate in the eyes of the GFA leadership.

What Lies Ahead

With time of the essence, Queiroz is expected to act swiftly. The Portuguese manager is likely to announce a provisional World Cup squad by May.

He and his team will then assess players in the final weeks of the European club season prior to finalising their selection.

Ghana is also set to face Mexico in May and Wales on June 2nd as part of their final preparation matches—these will be critical in allowing Queiroz to evaluate his options and implement his tactical strategies before the tournament kicks off.

Moreover, the new coach is confronted with uncertainty surrounding the squad. Mohammed Kudus, Ghana’s most potent attacking threat and top scorer at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, remains a doubt for the tournament due to a new quad injury.

Ghana finds itself in Group L for the 2026 World Cup, alongside England, Panama, and Croatia. Their campaign kicks off against Panama in Toronto on June 17th, followed by a match against England in Boston on June 23rd and Croatia on June 27th.

Carlos Queiroz has been appointed as Ghana’s new head coach, stepping into the role with the expectation of leading the Black Stars on a temporary basis in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz has been given a specific and ambitious objective: to propel Ghana to the quarter-finals, a feat the Black Stars last achieved during their memorable campaign in South Africa in 2010.

This decision follows the dramatic dismissal of Otto Addo on March 31st, mere hours after Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart.

Prior to this, Addo had overseen a demoralising 5-1 loss to Austria—Ghana’s heaviest defeat in 19 years—leading GFA president Kurt Okraku to swiftly conclude Addo’s tenure after extensive discussions with the sports ministry.

In his second spell, Addo recorded a win rate of 36.4 percent across 22 matches, and it was widely reported that he had lost the support of the squad, which played a crucial role in the GFA’s decision to let him go.

The search for a successor commenced immediately, with the GFA inundated with around 600 to 800 applications in the days that followed.

Why Queiroz Came Out on Top

Among the initial candidates were Paulo Bento and Fernando Santos, both of whom were early contenders alongside Queiroz.

While both possess robust international experience, it is believed that the GFA strongly favoured Queiroz for reasons that extend beyond mere coaching qualifications.

Foremost among these reasons is Queiroz’s extensive knowledge of African football. He has previously tasted success on the continent, having managed Egypt to the finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and held a stint with South Africa.

His application for the Cameroon job in 2018 further highlights his long-standing interest in African football, a factor that the GFA considered carefully when assessing their options. In contrast, neither Bento nor Santos could offer comparable experience in this area.

A Flexible Strategy Sealed the Deal

Another key factor tipping the scales in Queiroz’s favour was his willingness to adopt a flexible approach with his coaching staff.

While he is expected to bring at least six of his own technical staff—including his trusted assistant, Roger De Sa—he has also expressed a readiness to incorporate some members of Otto Addo’s coaching team into the setup.

This adaptability was viewed as highly advantageous by the GFA, who believe that retaining some existing staff will facilitate a smoother transition for Queiroz and minimise the disruptions that typically accompany a coaching change of this magnitude.

Establishing continuity behind the scenes, even with a new head coach, was deemed practical and sensible given the little time remaining before the World Cup commences.

A Track Record Built for Pressure

Queiroz’s appointment introduces a wealth of experience to the position—something the GFA has sought since Okraku outlined the characteristics of their ideal candidate last week.

Having served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, coached Real Madrid, guided Iran through three World Cups, and led Portugal to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup, Queiroz is no stranger to high-stakes environments and the rigours of tournament football.

With experience managing at five World Cups across various nations, and having navigated complex squad dynamics, he has built a reputation as a tactically astute and detail-oriented coach, known for his meticulous preparations.

His unique blend of experience and familiarity with African football made him the standout choice for the GFA’s leadership.

Looking Ahead

With time of the essence, Queiroz is expected to act swiftly. He is likely to announce a provisional squad for the World Cup by May.

After that, Queiroz and his team will assess players during the closing weeks of the European club season before finalising their squad.

Ghana has also scheduled friendlies against Mexico in May and Wales on June 2nd as critical preparation matches; these fixtures will be essential for Queiroz to evaluate his options and implement his tactical plans ahead of the tournament.

Additionally, the new coach will contend with a squad facing considerable uncertainty. Mohammed Kudus, Ghana’s most pivotal attacking player and top scorer at the 2022 World Cup, remains a doubt for the tournament due to a recent quadriceps injury.

Ghana has been placed in Group L for the 2026 World Cup, alongside England, Panama, and Croatia. Their campaign kicks off against Panama in Toronto on June 17th, followed by matches against England in Boston on June 23rd and Croatia on June 27th.