Carlos Queiroz to lead Ghana into next phase after 2026 World Cup

Carlos Queiroz will remain in charge of Ghana for the next phase of the Black Stars programme after agreeing a new mandate with the Ghana Football Association. His previous contract ended a few weeks after he led the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Portuguese coach’s new period in charge will begin during the next international window. The agreement followed discussions involving the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, with the association backing Queiroz’s international experience, technical knowledge and familiarity with the Ghana team.

Ghana’s World Cup campaign ended in the knockout stage against Colombia, but the Black Stars reached that phase for the first time since 2010. They collected a win over Panama and drew with England in the group stage before their elimination.

Queiroz’s immediate task is to guide Ghana through qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars missed the previous edition of the continental tournament and have been placed in Group C for the next qualifying campaign.

Their group also contains Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia. Ghana will open away to Cote d’Ivoire on September 24 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, with the match scheduled to start at 19:00 GMT.

The Black Stars are due to face The Gambia at home four days later, on September 27, at the Accra Sports Stadium. That fixture remains subject to approval of the pitch by the Confederation of African Football. The GFA said more information about Queiroz’s mandate and the team’s programme will follow as preparations begin for the new phase.