The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is facing a race against time to put the necessary structures in place for new Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, whose preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup come with significant demands and limited time.
The experienced Portuguese coach was appointed in April to replace Otto Addo, giving him only a short window to assess the squad, establish his technical philosophy and prepare Ghana for the global tournament. The GFA confirmed that Queiroz signed a four-month contract to lead the Black Stars at the World Cup.
Queiroz arrived with an impressive World Cup pedigree, having previously managed Portugal and Iran at football’s biggest tournament. His appointment was seen as an attempt by the GFA to bring experience and stability to a team that had endured a difficult period before the coaching change.
However, the short preparation period means the coach has little room for delays.
Queiroz has made clear that successful World Cup preparation will require more than simply assembling a squad. The veteran tactician has stressed the importance of detailed planning, including training, nutrition, fitness, physiotherapy, tactical preparation and set-piece organisation.
He has also insisted on building a strong team culture, declaring that no individual should be considered bigger than the national team.
The coach has already begun assessing players and familiarising himself with Ghana’s football structure. The GFA says Queiroz has monitored locally based players and has travelled to Europe to meet and watch Ghanaian players as part of his preparations for the tournament.
His approach has generated optimism among some supporters, but concerns remain about whether the GFA can provide everything required within such a short period.
The coach’s initial four-month contract has also become a talking point, with supporters questioning whether such a brief agreement gives him sufficient time and authority to implement a long-term system. Some fans have called on the GFA to give Queiroz a free hand and avoid interference in his technical decisions.
The pressure is particularly high because Ghana enters the World Cup after a turbulent period. The Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and subsequently parted ways with Otto Addo following a difficult run of results, including heavy friendly defeats.
Queiroz now has the responsibility of rebuilding confidence while preparing Ghana for a challenging Group L campaign against Panama, England and Croatia. Ghana’s opening World Cup match is against Panama, followed by meetings with England and Croatia.
The coach has acknowledged the scale of the challenge, describing the Black Stars job as one of the biggest challenges of his career. He has called for unity, discipline and sacrifice from players, officials and supporters as Ghana seeks to make a strong impression at the tournament.
For the GFA, the immediate priority will be ensuring that Queiroz has the resources and support required to implement his plans without unnecessary delays.
With the World Cup schedule fast approaching, every training session, player assessment and organisational decision could prove important. The coming weeks will therefore be crucial for determining whether Ghana can turn Queiroz’s ambitious plans into a well-prepared Black Stars team capable of competing at the highest level.
Source: Thepressradio.com
