2026 World Cup: Roger de Sa reveals how late-night message from Carlos Queiroz secured Ghana role

Newly appointed Black Stars assistant coach Roger de Sa has revealed how he received the call that earned him the role ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup later this year.

De Sa was named as part of Ghana's technical team in April ahead of the global showpiece in North America.

The 61-year-old will deputize long-time boss Carlos Queiroz.

“I got the news overnight. I received a message from Carlos Queiroz basically asking me if I was up for a big challenge again, and he asked me to call him as soon as I woke up,” De Sa told SportsBoom.co.za.

“He basically told me that, look, the Ghana national team was looking for his services, and obviously, he would require me to go and assist him, and it was not a very difficult decision to make and accept."

Queiroz and De Sa have worked with several national teams, including South Africa, Egypt, Portugal, and Iran.

De Sa added that his wife was the first person he informed after receiving the message.

“Then, of course, having read the message very early hours of the morning, the first person I told was my wife, just to let her know that there would be a strong possibility that this would happen and that it was another World Cup and my seventh national team. I think she's become pretty accustomed to this.

“It’s always a great honour to be part of the fantastic national team in the World Cup once again. It is a privilege, and I enjoy every day and make the most of it.”

The Black Stars, who are making their fifth appearance at the World Cup, will face Panama, England and Croatia in Group I. Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23. They will wrap up their group-stage matches against Croatia on June 27.

Before the start of the global showpiece, the Black Stars under Carlos Queiroz will test their readiness with friendly games against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.