Ghana appoints Carlos Quieroz as head coach for 2026 World Cup

The 73-year-old Portuguese manager brings vast international and World Cup experience to the Black Stars.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Ghana national football team in fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes, capturing the team's preparations for the upcoming World Cup under new manager Carlos Quieroz.Ghana's new manager Carlos Quieroz brings a wealth of international experience as the Black Stars look to make an impact at the 2026 World Cup.Philadelphia Today

Carlos Quieroz has been appointed as the new head coach of the Ghana national football team, taking charge ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Quieroz, a veteran manager with experience coaching Iran and Portugal at previous World Cups, replaces Otto Addo who was sacked earlier this month. Ghana have struggled in recent matches, losing their last four games, and will be looking to Quieroz to lead them to success on the global stage.

Why it matters

Ghana is one of Africa's most successful national football teams, having won the Africa Cup of Nations four times. However, the team has failed to make a significant impact at recent World Cups, and the appointment of an experienced coach like Quieroz is seen as a crucial step in their preparations for the 2026 tournament.

The details

Quieroz, who has been coaching for over 36 years, will take charge of the Black Stars for the first time in a friendly match against Mexico on May 22, followed by a warm-up game against Wales on June 2. Ghana's World Cup campaign will begin on June 17 with a Group L match against Panama in Toronto, followed by games against England and Croatia.

  • Quieroz was appointed as Ghana's new head coach on April 13, 2026.
  • His first match in charge will be a friendly against Mexico on May 22, 2026.
  • Ghana will play their final pre-World Cup warm-up match against Wales on June 2, 2026.
  • Ghana's World Cup campaign will begin on June 17, 2026, with a Group L match against Panama in Toronto.

The players

Carlos Quieroz

A 73-year-old Portuguese manager with vast international and World Cup experience, having coached Iran at the last three World Cup finals and taking Portugal to the last-16 stage of the 2010 edition.

Otto Addo

The previous Ghana head coach who was sacked earlier this month.

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What they’re saying

“Carlos Queiroz appointed Head Coach of the Black Stars”

— Black Stars, Ghana national team

What’s next

Quieroz's first game in charge will be a friendly against Mexico on May 22, 2026, followed by a final pre-tournament warm-up match against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium on June 2, 2026. Ghana's World Cup campaign will begin on June 17, 2026, with a Group L match against Panama in Toronto.

The takeaway

The appointment of the experienced Carlos Quieroz as Ghana's new head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup represents a significant step in the team's preparations for the global tournament. Quieroz's vast international experience, particularly at the World Cup, will be crucial in helping the Black Stars improve on their recent poor performances and make a strong showing on the world stage.