Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has revealed that the country made attempts to secure a high-profile long-term coach before ultimately appointing Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars.According to him, discussions were held with a highly respected coach as part of a broader search for a permanent solution for the national team.
However, timing constraints linked to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup forced a change in plans.The Black Stars were left without a head coach after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) ended Otto Addo’s tenure in March, following disappointing friendly results against Austria and Germany during World Cup preparations.
After weeks of assessment, the GFA settled on experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz on a short-term four-month contract to lead the team into the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Kofi Adams explained the circumstances behind the decision, stressing the effort made to secure another candidate before settling on Queiroz. He stated:”Before the appointment of Carlos Queiroz, I engaged a top coach together with a senior colleague from the football fraternity, but he told will only be available after the 2026 World Cup, and so we had to move on and get someone for the short term for the tournament,” the Buem said.
Adams also confirmed that Queiroz has been given a clear target of guiding Ghana to at least the semi-finals of the World Cup.Ghana, making their fifth appearance at the global tournament, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
Their campaign begins against Panama on June 17, followed by a high-profile clash with England on June 23, before wrapping up the group stage against Croatia on June 27.After early exits in both 2014 and 2022, expectations are high for a stronger showing, with Queiroz now tasked with steering the four-time African champions beyond the group stage for the first time in over a decade.
