Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President Fred Pappoe has thrown his support behind the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars head coach, describing the experienced tactician as the right man to stabilise the team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Queiroz, who has previously managed Egypt, Iran and Colombia, was officially unveiled on Thursday at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on a four-month contract. The 73-year-old replaces Otto Addo, who was dismissed in March following Ghana’s consecutive friendly defeats to Austria and Germany.
Speaking to SuperSport Blitz after the unveiling, Pappoe, a former Black Stars Management Committee Chairman, said the timing of the appointment demanded a coach with proven experience and strong leadership.
“We are in a situation where we had to appoint a coach in less than three months before the start of the World Cup, but we are there,” he said.
“Men are meant to solve problems, so I believe Carlos Queiroz is the man for the situation we are in now. He is a mature person with a pedigree, someone who has confidence, realistic, who commands respect and above all, he is humble, and these are important things to me.”
He added that Queiroz’s profile makes him well-suited for the immediate task of preparing the team for the global tournament.
“He appears well-suited for the job and the situation we are in, so we all have to pray that he succeeds,” he added.
Queiroz is expected to begin his tenure next month with a friendly against Mexico, followed by another preparatory fixture against Wales on June 2.
Ghana will head to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico for their fifth appearance at the tournament, drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. The Black Stars begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
After early exits in 2014 and 2022, expectations are growing for a stronger showing this time, with Queiroz tasked with steering the four-time African champions beyond the group stage.
