Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has pledged to give home-based players a genuine opportunity to earn places in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The experienced Portuguese tactician made the assurance during his official unveiling at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, where he was introduced as Otto Addo’s replacement on a four-month deal leading into the tournament.
Queiroz said his technical setup will carefully assess all eligible players, both locally and abroad, as part of efforts to assemble a competitive squad for the global showpiece.
“We have one team behind the scenes that is working very hard to collect information about players, either local players or foreign players. There will be a fair opportunity for the local players,” Queiroz said.
He explained that the scouting structure will be split, with one group based in Accra monitoring domestic talent while another tracks players overseas, before final decisions are made on selection.
“One group will stay in Accra, and one group will work abroad, and at the end we will make a decision for the squad,” he added.
The 73-year-old also stressed that selection will be based strictly on merit, highlighting performance, fitness, experience and character as key criteria.
Ghana will make its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Queiroz has been tasked with steering Ghana to a stronger showing on the world stage, following back-to-back group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022.
