Newly appointed Carlos Queiroz, head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, is expected to arrive in Ghana with five members of his technical team as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 73-year-old, who has signed a short-term deal with the four-time African champions, was appointed following the dismissal of Otto Addo after Ghana’s back-to-back friendly defeats to Austria and Germany last month.
Queiroz, a former Real Madrid manager, will officially be unveiled upon arrival, bringing with him a trusted group of five backroom staff as part of a wider technical restructuring.
In the process of accommodating the new technical team, Ghana Football Association technical advisor and director of football Winfried Schäfer has reportedly been relieved of his duties, while high-performance coach John Paintsil has also been dismissed.
Several other existing staff members are also expected to vacate their roles to make way for Queiroz’s team.
The veteran coach is expected in the country this week for his official unveiling, after which the GFA will formally introduce him to Sports Minister Kofi Adams as part of official protocol.
Queiroz is expected to take charge of Ghana’s final preparatory fixtures against Mexico and Wales on June 2, before the team heads into the World Cup.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L for the tournament, where they will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
With extensive World Cup experience—having led South Africa to qualification for the 2002 edition, guided Portugal to the Round of 16 in 2010, and managed Iran in 2014 and 2018—Queiroz is expected to bring stability and improved performance to a Ghana side seeking to avoid early exits after disappointing campaigns in 2014 and 2022.
