“Carlos Queiroz wants to unite Ghana before the 2026 World Cup.”

Carlos Queiroz faces a titanic challenge as he takes over the management of the Ghana national team just months before the 2026 World Cup. The mission of the experienced Portuguese coach, deemed essential by Mariano Barreto — the first Portuguese to lead the “Black Stars” — is clear: unite a fragmented team and instill confidence in a group with talent but lacking cohesion.

With only two preparatory matches before the final phase kicks off, Queiroz will need to work intensely to shape a competitive squad and implement an effective tactical system. Mariano Barreto, who led Ghana in 2004 and was a key figure in their historic qualification for the World Cup, emphasizes the importance of the coach’s role: “He will try to confirm information to shape a team and apply a plan based on the players. Some of them, like Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew, already play for renowned clubs, have tactical culture, and can help convey the coach’s message.”

The 2026 World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Carlos Queiroz, at 73 years old, will participate in a final phase for the fifth time — following stints with Portugal (2010) and Iran (2014, 2018, and 2022) — matching the record for consecutive appearances set by the legendary Bora Milutinović.

Mariano Barreto emphasizes the main obstacle that Queiroz will have to overcome: “First, he needs to analyze this selection both individually and collectively. Then, he cannot stray too far from the recent past. The challenge will be to build a team with players from various backgrounds. One of the main objectives is to unite a team that is fractured, not due to problems among the athletes, but because the message was not getting through with the previous coach, Otto Addo.”

The L group, in which Ghana is placed, presents a highly competitive scenario. The “Black Stars” will face England — world champions in 1966 — Croatia — runners-up in 2018 and third place in 1998 and 2022 — and Panama, who are returning to the World Cup. Ghana has called up notable names such as captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, and Thomas Partey, despite the significant absences of Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus, both injured.

“Everyone who follows football recognizes that England and Croatia are, on paper, favorites to secure the top two spots. Now, that has to be confirmed on the field, and it will make the Ghanaians believe they can achieve good results,” concludes Barreto. “They have capable players with the quality to build a strong team, within the limitations of time and circumstances.”

Carlos Queiroz now faces the golden challenge: to transform a group of scattered talents into a true war team for the World Cup. The task is Herculean, but the Portuguese coach, known for his rigor and experience, knows there is no room for error. Ghana now counts on him to restore its prestige and dream big on the biggest stage of world football.

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