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 former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Queiroz boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree. He led South Africa to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, guided Portugal to the knockout phase in 2010, and took charge of Iran at both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments.
According to a post by the Ghana Football Association on X, “The experienced Portuguese tactician will lead Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing vast international and World Cup experience to the senior national team.”
He has also held coaching roles in Egypt, Oman, Japan, and Qatar and is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear during the World Cup.
“Queiroz boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree. He led South Africa to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, guided Portugal to the knockout phase in 2010, and took charge of Iran at both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments” the GFA press release annoucing his appointed stated.
Coach Queiroz begins work immediately to prepare the Black Stars for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026.
Ghana plays its first group match against Panama on June 17, 2026, in Toronto, Canada, before facing England and Croatia in the other group matches.
World Cup Statistics of Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz has managed in 5 World Cup tournaments (2002, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), recording 4 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses across 16 matches. During his tenure, his teams have maintained a balanced goal difference, scoring 19 goals and conceding 19.
10 key facts you should know about the tactician.
Born in Africa
Queiroz was born on 1 March 1953 in Nampula, Mozambique (then Portuguese Mozambique), giving him a unique connection to the African continent despite his Portuguese nationality.
Youth coaching legend
He rose to fame by guiding Portugal’s Under-20 team to back-to-back FIFA World Youth Championship titles in 1989 and 1991, helping develop the famous “Golden Generation” that included stars like Luís Figo and Rui Costa.
World Cup specialist
Queiroz has taken four different national teams to the FIFA World Cup — South Africa (2002), Portugal (2010), and Iran (2014, 2018, and 2022) — making him one of the most experienced coaches at the tournament.
Longest-serving Iran coach
He spent nearly eight years with Iran (2011–2019), qualifying them for two consecutive World Cups for the first time in their history and building a very disciplined, hard-to-beat side.
Assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson
He served two spells as assistant manager at Manchester United (2002–03 and 2004–08), contributing to three Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League win. Ferguson often praised his tactical knowledge.
Brief Real Madrid stint
In 2003–04, he managed Real Madrid, winning the Spanish Super Cup but struggling in La Liga before being dismissed.
Globe-trotting experience: Queiroz has coached in more than 10 countries across five continents, including South Africa, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar, UAE, Japan (Nagoya Grampus), and the USA (New York/New Jersey MetroStars in 1996).
Tactical disciplinarian
He is known for his organised, defensive-minded approach, strong team discipline, and ability to get results with limited resources — often turning underdogs into tough opponents.
Full Press Release By Ghana Football Association on Carlos Queiroz as the New Black Stars head coach
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 former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Queiroz boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree. He led South Africa to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, guided Portugal to the knockout phase in 2010, and took charge of Iran at both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments.
He has also held coaching roles in Egypt, Oman, Japan, and Qatar, and is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear during the World Cup.
Coach Queiroz begins work immediately to prepare the Black Stars for the tournament, which kicks off in June 11, 2026.
Ghana plays its first group match against Panama on June 17, 2026, in Toronto, Canada before facing England and Croatia in the other Group matches.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
What Are the 2026 FIFA World Cup Match Details?
The Black Stars of Ghana have been drawn into Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will be competing against England, Croatia, and Panama.
According to the official schedule, Ghana will play its matches in Canada and the United States. Here is the breakdown of the group stage fixtures:
Group L Match Schedule
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Location |
| June 17, 2026 | Ghana vs. Panama | BMO Field (Toronto Stadium) | Toronto, Canada |
| June 23, 2026 | England vs. Ghana | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough (Boston), USA |
| June 27, 2026 | Croatia vs. Ghana | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, USA |
Who is the new Black Stars head coach for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Carlos Queiroz is new Ghana Black Stars head coach for 2026 FIFA World Cup
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