The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, in consultation with key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars.
The veteran tactician brings a wealth of experience and has been tasked with leading Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Carlos Queiroz fired a passionate first message as Black Stars coach, telling Ghanaians to see his appointment as a “national mission.”
The experienced trainer promised total commitment, saying: “Together, with unity, discipline, and ambition, we will work to honour the expectations of a great football nation.”
Queiroz, who has coached Real Madrid and several national teams, added: “I arrive with respect for Ghana’s history and belief in its future. This is not just another job; it is a mission.”
Below are 10 Key Facts About Queiroz
1. Born in Africa
Queiroz was born on 1 March 1953 in Angoche, Mozambique (then Portuguese Mozambique), giving him a unique African connection despite his Portuguese nationality.
2. Youth Coaching Legend
He shot to fame by guiding Portugal’s U-20 team to back-to-back FIFA World Youth Championship titles in 1989 and 1991, nurturing the famous “Golden Generation” that produced Luís Figo and Rui Costa.
3. World Cup specialist
Queiroz has led four different national teams at the FIFA World Cup: South Africa (2002), Portugal (2010), and Iran (2014, 2018, 2022) — making him one of the tournament’s most seasoned coaches.
4. Longest-serving Iran Coach
He spent nearly eight years with Iran (2011–2019), guiding them to two consecutive World Cups for the first time in their history and building a famously disciplined, resilient side.
5. Assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson
Queiroz had two spells as assistant manager at Manchester United (2002–03 and 2004–08), contributing to three Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League triumph. Ferguson often praised his tactical acumen.
6. Brief Real Madrid Stint
In 2003–04, he managed Real Madrid, winning the Spanish Super Cup but struggling in La Liga before his dismissal.
7. Globe-trotting Experience
Queiroz has coached in more than ten countries across five continents, including South Africa, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar, UAE, Japan (Nagoya Grampus), and the USA (New York/New Jersey MetroStars in 1996).
8. Tactical Disciplinarian
Known for his organized, defensive-minded approach and strong team discipline, he excels at turning underdogs into tough opponents — often getting results with limited resources.
9. Africa Cup of Nations Finalist
With Egypt in 2021, he reached the AFCON final, losing to Senegal on penalties — proof that he understands the pressures of African football.
10. 73 and Still Passionate
Now 73, the self-described “last dinosaur” of coaching brings vast wisdom, multilingual skills, and a love for developing players — exactly what the Black Stars need ahead of their 2026 World Cup group matches against Panama, England, and Croatia.
Carlos Queiroz’s Honours
🏆 Assistant Manager – Manchester United
- Premier League: 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
- UEFA Champions League: 2007–08
🏆 Manager – Portugal (Youth Teams)
- FIFA World Youth Championship: 1989, 1991
- UEFA European Under-16 Championship: 1989
- FIFA U-17 World Cup – Third Place: 1989
🏆 Sporting CP
- Taça de Portugal: 1994–95
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 1995
- Primeira Divisão – Runner-up: 1994–95
🏆 Nagoya Grampus
- Sanwa Bank Cup: 1996
- Suntory Championship: 1997
- Asian Cup Winners’ Cup – Runner-up: 1996–97
- J.League – Runner-up: 1996
🏆 United Arab Emirates
- Arabian Gulf Cup – Third Place: 1998
🏆 Real Madrid
- Supercopa de España: 2003
- Copa del Rey – Runner-up: 2003–04
🏆 Egypt
- Africa Cup of Nations – Runner-up: 2021
