Sports
GFA appoints Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars head coach for 2026 World Cup
The Ghana GFA appoints Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars head coach for 2026 World CupFootball Association has appointed Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to a statement from the GFA Communications Department, the decision was made by the Executive Council in collaboration with key stakeholders in Ghana football.
Queiroz, a highly experienced coach, has previously managed top teams including Real Madrid, Manchester United, and national teams such as Portugal and Iran.
He is expected to lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The GFA noted that Queiroz brings significant World Cup experience.
He led South Africa to qualification for the 2002 tournament, guided Portugal to the knockout stage in 2010, and managed Iran at both the 2014 and 2018 editions.
In addition, the Portuguese coach has worked with national teams including Egypt, Oman, Japan, and Qatar.
The GFA stated that Queiroz is expected to use his experience to strengthen the Black Stars as they prepare for the global tournament.
He is set to begin work immediately, with the World Cup scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026.
Ghana will play its first group match against Panama on June 17, 2026, in Toronto, before taking on England and Croatia in the remaining group games.
Background: Carlos Queiroz is a Portuguese football coach with decades of experience at both club and international levels.
He served as an assistant coach at Manchester United under Alex Ferguson, and later took up head coaching roles with Real Madrid and several national teams.
Known for his tactical discipline and defensive organisation, Queiroz has built a reputation for guiding teams to major tournaments and competing strongly on the global stage.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
