Carlos Queiroz, the newly appointed head coach of the Black Stars, has characterised his appointment as the most significant challenge of his career. Speaking at his official unveiling, the 73-year-old Portuguese manager expressed his readiness to lead Ghana through the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz has been signed to a four-month contract, replacing Otto Addo. His primary task is to stabilize a squad that suffered four consecutive defeats prior to his arrival.

Experience and expectations

Despite having managed eight other national teams throughout his career, Queiroz noted that the expectations surrounding the Black Stars set this role apart.

“After eight national teams and important competitions, this is the biggest challenge of my life,” Queiroz stated. He pledged to apply his 40 years of coaching experience to the position, adding that he recognizes the "huge dreams and expectations" of the Ghanaian public.

World Cup outlook

With less than 50 days remaining until the tournament begins, the veteran coach has a limited window to prepare the team for Group L.

Ghana's group stage opponents include:

- Panama v Ghana at the BMO Field (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) - June 17, 2026

- England v Ghana at the Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA) - June 23, 2026

- Croatia v Ghana at the Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) - June 27, 2026

The team is aiming to progress beyond the group stages for the first time since their 2010 World Cup campaign.

Queiroz’s short-term mandate focuses on restoring team form and navigating this competitive group when the tournament kicks off in June.