Former Real Madrid Coach Appointed Ghana Head Coach Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed former Real Madrid CF and Manchester United FC coach Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the Ghana national football team, the Black Stars, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The tournament will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with the competition scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.

In a statement on Monday, the GFA confirmed that Queiroz’s appointment was approved by its Executive Council in collaboration with key stakeholders, with the coach expected to take immediate charge of preparations.

“The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association working with all key stakeholders has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the statement said.

Vast World Cup Experience

Queiroz brings extensive FIFA World Cup experience to the role, having managed at four editions of the tournament.

He previously guided South Africa national football team to qualification for the 2002 World Cup, led Portugal national football team to the Round of 16 in 2010, and coached Iran national football team at both the 2014 and 2018 editions.

Across those tournaments, he has overseen 13 World Cup matches, recording three wins, four draws, and six defeats.

GFA Backs Experienced Appointment

The GFA also highlighted Queiroz’s extensive coaching experience across several continents, including spells in Egypt, Oman, Japan, and Qatar, noting that his experience is expected to strengthen Ghana’s World Cup preparations.

The 73-year-old replaces Otto Addo, who left the role on March 31 following a poor run of results, including defeats in international friendlies and failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

World Cup Group Challenge

Ghana will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17, before facing England and Croatia in what is expected to be a difficult group stage.

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