Carlos Queiroz is coaching Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming only the second manager to lead a team at five consecutive World Cups, starting with Portugal in 2010 and continuing with Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022 before joining Ghana this year [1, 2, 3]. The 73-year-old replaced Otto Addo in April 2026 after Addo was fired in March due to poor friendly match results [1, 2, 3].
Queiroz's World Cup coaching streak matches the record set by Bora Milutinović, who managed five different national teams in consecutive World Cups from 1986 to 2002 [1, 2, 3]. The overall record for most World Cups coached is held by Carlos Alberto Parreira, who appeared six times but not consecutively [1, 2, 3].
Before taking over Ghana, Queiroz's last role was with Oman, making Ghana the eighth national team he has managed during his career spanning four decades [1, 2, 3]. Known for his cerebral and technical approach, Queiroz contrasts this with an occasionally fiery sideline presence. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane once described him as having "the personality of a dead fly" during their time working together [1, 2, 3].
In Portugal, Queiroz is credited as a trendsetter who fostered a culture connecting football with academic knowledge, contributing to the country’s rise as a developer of elite players. The A’Bola daily sports newspaper noted that in a results-driven sport, Queiroz deserves recognition for establishing a lasting culture of technical and intellectual rigor in Portuguese football [1].
Early in his career, Queiroz led Portugal to back-to-back FIFA U-20 World Cup titles in 1989 and 1991 and helped develop stars like Luís Figo, Paulo Sousa, and João Pinto [1, 2, 3].
Upon accepting the Ghana job in April, Queiroz said, "I am prepared for this. I bring 40 years of experience to every decision that will be made" [1].
Ghana began its Group L tournament campaign on June 18, 2026, against Panama in Toronto with Queiroz at the helm [1, 2, 3].