Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed confidence that the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars will inject renewed energy and belief into the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Portuguese tactician was named Ghana’s new head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo in March, with expectations high as the team prepares for the global showpiece scheduled for this summer.
Speaking to Footie Centre on the sidelines of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver over the weekend, Okraku acknowledged concerns over injuries to key players but insisted the experienced 73-year-old coach can inspire unity and competitiveness within the squad.
“When I look at the list, it’s quite worrying, but I derive my positivity from the fact that there is something in the Ghanaian; the indomitable spirit of the Ghanaian will always come up when the chips are so low, and I would want to believe that, with the unity of purpose that has been demonstrated by the entire nation as a result of the arrival of coach Carlos Queiroz, it would arouse extra energy in the Ghanaian player, to the 12th man, and we will find the right level of energy to be competitive,” Okraku said.
The Black Stars, set to make their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group I alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
In preparation for the tournament, Queiroz’s side will play international friendlies against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.
The former Iran, Egypt and Colombia head coach is expected to announce his final World Cup squad on June 1.
