Our focus is to qualify for 2027 AFCON but we have an eye on 2030 World Cup – Carlos Queiroz

Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana's immediate priority is to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while also laying the foundations for the 2030 World Cup.

Ghana will begin their AFCON qualifying campaign later this month with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on 24 September.

The Black Stars will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September as Queiroz looks to make a positive start in Group C.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach made his intentions clear after naming his 24-man squad for the opening two qualifiers.

"Hands on the present, eyes on the future. The priority is very clear: absolute focus on AFCON qualification, with our eyes set on the 2030 World Cup," Queiroz told the Ghana Football Association's media team.

"We have an immediate objective that demands our full concentration, but we also have a greater destination ahead of us.

"This is the moment to start building the team for 2030, a team truly capable of honouring Ghana's extraordinary World Cup legacy."

Ghana missed out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and will be determined to secure a return to the continental tournament next year.

The Black Stars will round off the international window with a high-profile friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.

Queiroz's first competitive assignments will therefore provide an early indication of his plans as he looks to rebuild the Black Stars while balancing the immediate need for AFCON qualification with longer-term preparations for the 2030 World Cup.