Portuguese managers Carlos Queiroz and Paulo Bento have emerged as the primary candidates to lead Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The search for a new head coach follows the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) dismissal of Otto Addo in late March 2026, following a series of poor results in friendly matches. The GFA Executive Council met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to discuss potential replacements, with a final decision expected shortly after consultations with government stakeholders.
With the World Cup less than three months away, the GFA is under significant pressure to establish stable technical leadership. Reports confirm that both Queiroz and Bento have been officially shortlisted for the short-term role, which will cover the duration of the tournament in June.
Queiroz, who recently left his position as head coach of Oman in March 2026, is recognized for his tactical discipline and a resume that includes managing Portugal, Iran, and Egypt. Bento is the current manager of the United Arab Emirates and previously led South Korea, earning a reputation for a structured, possession-based style of play.
Ghana faces a difficult path in the upcoming tournament, having been drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
While high-profile names such as Hervé Renard, Joachim Löw, and Walid Regragui were previously linked to the vacancy, local coach James Kwasi Appiah is reportedly being viewed as a secondary option. Appiah’s candidacy is complicated by his current commitment to Sudan and a strained relationship with the GFA leadership.
The GFA intends to hire a tactician with a proven track record at both the club and international levels. Any final appointment will be made in collaboration with government authorities.
The Black Stars are set to begin World Cup preparations in May with a friendly against Mexico, followed by a match against Wales on June 2.