Ghana can win next AFCON or World Cup if Carlos Queiroz stays

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama predicted that the national team could win either the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or the World Cup if head coach Carlos Queiroz remains in charge. Queiroz was appointed on a four-month contract set to conclude at the end of July, aimed at leading the Black Stars to the 2026 World Cup.

During an inspection tour of the Ho Sports Stadium on Friday, Mahama expressed his unwavering faith in the team's championship potential under the experienced Portuguese manager. He countered the predictions of critics who anticipated an early exit for Ghana from the World Cup group stage, highlighting the team's resilient performance that took them to the Round of 32 as evidence of their elite capabilities.

"I'm sure that if we keep this team, and we persuade coach Carlos Queiroz to continue to work with the team, by the time of the next AFCON and the next World Cup, we'll have a team that can claim the championship in either of those two competitions," Mahama stated.

While the Black Stars entered the 2026 World Cup with low expectations, they advanced to the newly introduced Round of 32 knockout stage under Queiroz’s guidance. Ghana commenced their campaign with a narrow victory over Panama, followed by a goalless draw against England, extending their impressive record in second group matches at the World Cup. After qualifying for the knockout phase, however, the team faced a narrow defeat against Croatia in their final group game and were ultimately eliminated by Colombia in the Round of 32.