Queiroz Turns Focus to Europe as Black Stars Project Enters Hands-On Phase
Carlos Queiroz has shifted the Black Stars’ World Cup preparation from domestic groundwork in Accra to an active European engagement phase, beginning a wide-ranging tour aimed at directly assessing Ghanaian players abroad.
The Ghana Football Association confirmed that the new head coach “has since last Sunday begun an European tour for monitoring and engagements with Black stars players after starting World Cup preparations in Accra.”
His early days in charge have been defined by rapid movement between observation, meetings, and tactical planning as he tries to build a clear picture of his squad options.
Before leaving Ghana, Queiroz was already at work on the local scene, reviewing performances within the Black Galaxies setup. The GFA noted that the Portuguese coach, who was unveiled in Accra last week, immediately “started work with the monitoring of players of the Black Galaxies before leaving to Europe.”
In Europe, his attention has turned to established internationals and key figures expected to form the spine of the national team. The association revealed that “Coach Carlos has already met and spoken with Captain Jordan and Thomas Partey,” as part of initial leadership discussions that will help shape the dressing room hierarchy going forward.
His schedule is expected to expand significantly in the coming weeks, with plans to attend multiple club fixtures involving Ghanaian players across top leagues.
Building Connections With Players
Rather than waiting for a full training camp to introduce his methods, Queiroz is prioritising direct communication with players and staff across different environments.
The GFA stated that he “will be speaking and meeting with other team leaders and will be watching as many games of our Ghanaian players as possible,” a clear indication that selection decisions will be heavily influenced by live scouting and first-hand assessment.
The technical team supporting him has been actively involved in this process, helping track both established internationals and emerging prospects. According to the federation, “Coach Carlos Queiroz is being supported by members of his back room staff on his monitoring and engagements with the players, both old and the potential ones,” as the scouting network expands across Europe.
Queiroz’s reputation in international football is built on decades of experience at the highest level. He has coached multiple national teams and featured in several FIFA World Cup cycles, earning recognition for his tactical organisation, adaptability, and ability to structure teams for tournament football.
His career has included stints with Portugal, Iran, Colombia, and Egypt, alongside high-level club and assistant roles, including time at Manchester United.
Ghana’s football leadership believes his appointment signals a shift toward a more structured and detail-driven approach ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The GFA emphasized that “Carlos Queiroz will lead Ghana to her 5th World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in June this year,” reflecting the ambition tied to his arrival.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, presenting a challenging mix of European pedigree and CONCACAF intensity. Each opponent brings contrasting styles, requiring Ghana to build both tactical flexibility and squad resilience.
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