Ghana Reappoints Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars Coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the reappointment of Carlos Queiroz as the head coach for football team, the Black Stars. This decision, made public on Wednesday, marks Queiroz's return just two months after he concluded his prior coaching period with the squad following the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The 73-year-old Portuguese manager is expected to immediately resume his duties, coinciding with the international fixture window scheduled for late September.

Officials from the GFA highlighted Queiroz's extensive international experience and his existing familiarity with the team's roster as key factors in their choice. The aim is to establish stability and continuity for Ghana's upcoming competitive commitments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Immediate Objectives and Continental Challenges

During his previous, brief tenure, Queiroz successfully guided the Black Stars to the round of 32 at the recent World Cup. This achievement was particularly notable given the limited preparation time he had after taking over from Otto Addo shortly before the tournament began. The GFA's strategy to bring him back is seen as an effort to leverage this established rapport and understanding as the team prepares for new competitive challenges.

Queiroz's primary task will be to lead Ghana through the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This campaign will feature critical home and away matches against Ivory Coast, a significant regional rival. The initial international period for these preparations is set to run from September 21 through October 6, providing the first test for the newly reappointed coach.

Queiroz's Extensive Managerial Background

The veteran coach brings a distinguished career that includes managing numerous national football teams across multiple continents. His previous coaching assignments have seen him lead sides of Portugal, Iran, Egypt, and Colombia. He notably guided Portugal to the round of 16 during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his capability on the global stage.

Queiroz also made a significant impact with Iran, coaching them in the last three editions of the World Cup, where his teams secured three victories across 13 matches in those tournaments. Furthermore, his comprehensive resume includes coaching roles with Japan and South Africa, alongside an earlier spell with the Portuguese national team in the early 1990s. This broad experience is expected to be invaluable as he works to stabilize the Black Stars' performance post-World Cup and forge a strong, cohesive unit for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers and beyond. The GFA's strategic choice emphasizes a preference for an experienced manager who deeply understands the team's dynamics and capabilities to foster a consistent developmental path.