Omanghana
Reappointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has identified qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations as his immediate objective while outlining plans to build a competitive Ghanaian team for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The 73-year-old Portuguese coach, who signed a contract extension with the Ghana Football Association on September 2, 2026, described his approach to the national team as “hands on the present, eyes on the future.”
Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, and Queiroz is determined to prevent a repeat of that disappointment. He believes the upcoming qualifying campaign will also provide an important opportunity to assess the depth of his squad and improve technical cohesion.
Although returning Ghana to the continental tournament remains the priority, the coach intends to use the qualification campaign as the foundation for a broader rebuilding programme ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Queiroz said the Black Stars must work, develop and compete for their place among the world’s leading national teams. His long-term plan seeks to build a side capable of honouring Ghana’s rich World Cup history.
Meanwhile, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has confirmed that the coach has submitted his squad list for consideration by the Black Stars Management Committee and the association’s Executive Council.
The final squad is expected to be announced between September 21 and September 25, 2026.
Ghana will begin the next phase of its campaign with a difficult away qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24. The Black Stars will then host The Gambia on September 29 before facing Morocco in an international friendly on October 4.
The three matches will offer Queiroz an early opportunity to evaluate his players and begin implementing his plans for both the AFCON qualifying campaign and Ghana’s long-term development.
Source: Omanghana
