Black Stars: Carlos Queiroz shrugs off playing style debate, insists he is a winning coach

Newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has made it clear that results—not aesthetics—will define his tenure, as he sets his sights on delivering victories for Ghana at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 73-year-old, who has previously managed Egypt, Iran and Portugal, has been handed a short-term four-month contract to lead the senior national team into the global tournament scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Queiroz’s appointment follows the dismissal of Otto Addo by the Ghana Football Association, despite the former coach successfully guiding the Black Stars to qualification. The decision came on the back of what officials described as underwhelming performances.

Speaking during his official unveiling at the Alisa Hotel, Queiroz dismissed concerns about his tactical approach, insisting that his philosophy is rooted firmly in winning.

"I am a winning coach. I don't understand that thing of defend or attack," the 73-year-old said.

"When we don't have the ball, we have to fight together, sacrifice, and suffer to recover the ball as fast as possible in order to build up opportunities and score.

"At the end, in Ghana, and the rest of the world, there is only one reason in football, to win," he added.

Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup and face a daunting challenge in Group L, where they have been drawn against England, Croatia and Panama.

The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

After group-stage exits in both 2014 and 2022, expectations will be high for a more competitive showing this time, with Queiroz tasked with steering the four-time African champions beyond the early rounds.