The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has finalized the technical team that will lead the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz at the helm. Queiroz, who has signed a four-month short-term deal that will be reviewed after the tournament, is set to be officially unveiled in Accra on Thursday, April 23.
Queiroz Assembles Trusted Backroom Staff
Queiroz, 73, brings extensive World Cup experience, having led South Africa to qualification for the 2002 edition, guided Portugal to the Round of 16 in 2010, and managed Iran in 2014 and 2018. He will be supported by a mix of longtime allies and local personnel.
Roger De Sa (South Africa) has been confirmed as first assistant coach. The 61-year-old has served as Queiroz’s deputy at the 2010 World Cup with Portugal, the 2022 World Cup with Iran, and during Egypt’s run to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final. “I will fly out on Thursday to Accra to start working straight away,” De Sa told South African outlet KickOff, noting that the appointment came together “within four to five days”.
Desmond Offei will serve as second assistant coach. The Ghanaian tactician previously worked under former head coach Otto Addo, focusing on set-piece situations and bringing continuity to the technical setup.
Goalkeeping Department Bolstered
Daniel Gaspar, the Portuguese-American goalkeeping coach who has worked extensively with Queiroz, has been appointed first-choice goalkeeper coach. Gaspar, founder of the Star Goalkeeper Academy and a veteran of over 25 years in the profession, previously served as Queiroz’s goalkeeping assistant with Iran and has shaped the careers of numerous top shot-stoppers.
Former Black Stars international Fatau Dauda, who represented Ghana at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, remains as second assistant goalkeeper coach. Dauda, who also serves as a goalkeeping trainer at Right to Dream Academy, will work alongside Gaspar to oversee Ghana’s goalkeeping options.
Video Analysis and Physical Training Reinforced
The GFA has strengthened the team’s analytical capabilities with three video analysts, two of whom are retained from Otto Addo’s previous setup. Belgian coach Gregory De Grauwe, who previously served as Ghana’s sole video analyst while also handling set-piece duties, is expected to be among those retained. José Daniel Martínez Alfonso will serve in a dual role as assistant coach and video analyst.
A single physical trainer has also been included in the technical team. The role will focus on player conditioning, workload management, and overall physical performance during the tournament.
Changes to Previous Setup
The arrival of Queiroz and his team has triggered a significant restructuring. Technical advisor and GFA Director of Football Winfried Schäfer has reportedly been relieved of his duties, while high-performance coach John Paintsil has been dismissed. Several other existing staff members are also expected to vacate their roles.
Challenges Ahead
With just two months until the tournament kicks off on June 11, the new technical team faces a condensed preparation window. “The biggest challenge is obviously selecting a team without having enough time,” De Sa acknowledged, adding that preparations are “very short—you’ve got about two weeks to prepare your team”. He has already begun extensive video analysis and scouting work in anticipation of his arrival in Accra.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L and will open its campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27. The Black Stars, making their fifth World Cup appearance, will play friendly matches against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2 as part of their final preparations.
