2026 World Cup: Carlos Queiroz to arrive with five-man backroom staff as Ghana reshapes technical team

Newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to arrive in Ghana with five members of his backroom staff as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 73-year-old, who has signed a short-term deal with the four-time African champions, takes over following the dismissal of Otto Addo after consecutive friendly defeats to Austria and Germany in March.

Queiroz’s arrival will trigger a technical reshuffle within the setup, as space is created for his incoming team. As part of the changes, technical advisor and director of football at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Winfried Schäfer, has reportedly been relieved of his duties, while high-performance coach John Paintsil has also been dismissed.

It is understood that additional members of the existing technical team are expected to step aside to accommodate Queiroz’s staff.

However, the veteran trainer is expected to arrive in the country this week for his official unveiling. Following his unveiling this week, the GFA will formally introduce the Portuguese tactician to Sports Minister Kofi Adams as part of official protocol.

Queiroz will then quickly shift focus to preparation matches against Mexico and Wales on June 2 as part of Ghana’s final build-up to the tournament.

Ghana, drawn in Group L for the World Cup, will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

With an extensive World Cup pedigree that includes leading South Africa to qualification for the 2002 tournament, guiding Portugal to the knockout stages in 2010, and managing Iran in both 2014 and 2018, Queiroz is expected to bring structure and stability to the Black Stars as they seek to improve on early exits in 2014 and 2022.