Newly appointed Ghana national football team head coach Carlos Queiroz has described leading the side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the biggest challenge of his managerial career.
Speaking at his first press conference in Accra, the experienced Portuguese tactician said he was honoured to take charge of the Black Stars but acknowledged the high expectations that come with the role.
“After managing several national teams, this is the biggest challenge of my career because when you work for Ghana, the expectation is always to win,” he said.
Queiroz, who previously coached teams such as Portugal national football team and Iran national football team, stressed that his immediate focus is to build a cohesive and competitive squad capable of delivering results on the global stage.
Ghana, who have qualified for five World Cups, will begin their 2026 campaign against Panama on June 17. The team heads into the tournament looking to improve on recent inconsistent performances.
The 73-year-old coach emphasized the importance of unity and discipline, noting that individual talent alone does not guarantee success.
“A group of talented players is not always a great team. The team is the most important player, and every shirt must be earned,” he said.
Beyond the tournament, Queiroz outlined plans to develop a sustainable football structure that will nurture future generations of players and maintain Ghana’s competitiveness.
Despite mounting expectations from fans to replicate or surpass the country’s historic 2010 quarter-final run, the former Manchester United assistant coach refused to make bold predictions, instead promising hard work and a step-by-step approach.
Queiroz will be attending his fifth FIFA World Cup as a coach, bringing a wealth of experience as Ghana aim to re-establish themselves on the global stage.
