Things to know about newly appointed Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz
The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), following consultations with key stakeholders, has named experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars.
The appointment places the 73-year-old at the helm of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he will be expected to guide the team through a challenging group featuring England, Croatia and Panama.
Queiroz arrives in Accra with one of the most extensive coaching résumés in international football, spanning more than four decades and multiple continents.
- A career built on global experience
Born on March 1, 1953, in Angoche, Mozambique (then Portuguese East Africa), Queiroz has long carried a connection to Africa, despite his Portuguese nationality.
He first rose to prominence in youth football, leading Portugal’s Under-20 side to consecutive FIFA World Youth Championship titles in 1989 and 1991. That golden period also helped shape a generation of Portuguese stars, including Luís Figo and Rui Costa.
His reputation as a tournament specialist was further cemented through a long international coaching career. Queiroz has managed at multiple FIFA World Cups with different national teams, including South Africa and Iran, making him one of the most experienced figures in global tournament football.
- Club and international pedigree
At club level, Queiroz has worked at some of the game’s biggest institutions. He served two spells as assistant manager at Manchester United, where he worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson during a period that delivered multiple Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League crown.
He also had a brief spell in charge of Real Madrid, winning the Spanish Super Cup before departing after a difficult league campaign.
Beyond Europe, Queiroz has built a reputation as a globe-trotting coach, with spells in South Africa, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Japan and the United States.
- Tactical identity and AFCON experience
Known for his structured and disciplined approach, Queiroz is widely regarded as a coach who prioritises organisation, defensive stability and tactical detail. His ability to maximise limited resources has often made his teams difficult to beat.
He also brings valuable African experience, having led Egypt to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost to Senegal on penalties.
- A seasoned hand for Ghana’s ambitions
Now 73, Queiroz remains active in the international game and continues to be respected for his leadership, multilingual communication skills and deep understanding of tournament football.