Carlos Queiroz has promised to turn around the Black Stars, declaring himself a “winning coach” as he was unveiled as the team’s new head coach.
The 73-year-old Portuguese replaces Otto Addo, who was sacked following back-to-back defeats to Austria and Germany.
Queiroz has signed a short-term deal with one clear objective: guide Ghana to a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup.
“I am a winning coach,” Queiroz said flatly at his unveiling. “I don’t come to experiment. I come to win.”
The Black Stars have exited the last two World Cups at the group stage, in 2014 and 2022, and fans are demanding a return to the team’s former glory.
Queiroz inherits a side in transition but insists he is unfazed by the pressure.
“This is not a job for someone afraid of expectations,” he said.
“Ghana is one of Africa’s football giants. That means we must act like one.”
The veteran coach, who was born and raised in Mozambique, said leading an African nation carries special meaning for him.
“To be part of Ghana’s sports family is a privilege and an honour,” Queiroz said.
“I have strong African roots. Leading an African country like Ghana to the World Cup is unforgettable and will remain a memory for life.”
Queiroz is known for a disciplined, defensively organised style, a philosophy he honed during previous stints with Portugal, Iran, Colombia, and Egypt.
Early signs point to a squad-wide assessment before Ghana’s upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Wales.
Those matches will serve as Queiroz’s first real test before the World Cup kicks off.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
The Black Stars open their campaign on June 17 against Panama, followed by clashes with England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27).
A fifth World Cup appearance awaits.
Whether Queiroz can lead them beyond the first round for only the second time in the nation’s history is now the central question.
For now, the new coach is sticking to his message: winning is non-negotiable.
