The 73-year-old coach was appointed to replace Otto Addo, who was sacked in March after a series of disappointing results. At the World Cup 2026 this summer, Ghana is in Group L with Croatia, England, and Panama. Queiroz will receive approximately USD 90,000 for the four-month contract, tasked with leading Ghana deep into the biggest football event on the planet.
This will mark the Portuguese strategist's fifth consecutive World Cup appearance, equaling the record of "wizard" Bora Milutinovic, who participated continuously from 1986 to 2002 with Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, Nigeria, and China.
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Coach Queiroz (right) instructing Ronaldo during a Portugal national team match at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. *Photo: Reuters* |
Queiroz has a notable World Cup history, having managed Portugal at the 2010 tournament in South Africa and Iran for the three most recent tournaments: Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. Before these roles, he successfully guided South Africa to qualify for the 2002 World Cup but departed prior to the start of the competition.
Beyond national teams, Queiroz has coached at Real and led other national squads including Colombia, UAE, and Qatar. His most recent role was managing Oman, a position he left in March after the team failed to secure qualification for the World Cup 2026.
"I embrace this new chapter with the Ghana national team with deep gratitude, a sense of responsibility, and humility," Queiroz said on 14/4. "Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys across the world. This is not just a job; it is a mission."
Queiroz was a mentor to Cristiano Ronaldo during the period of 2004-2010. From 2004 to 2008, he served as an assistant to coach Ferguson at Man Utd, before taking the helm of the Portugal national team for two years.
Queiroz's tenure with the Ghana national team will begin with a friendly match against Mexico on 22/5, followed by another friendly against Wales on 2/6.
Queiroz is set to make history as the third oldest coach to participate in a World Cup. He follows Hugo Broos of South Africa and Miroslav Koubek of the Czech Republic, both of whom will be 74 years old at this year's tournament. The current record is held by Otto Rehhagel, who was 71 years and 317 days old when he led Greece against Argentina in the group stage of the 2010 World Cup.
Vy Anh
