Former Ghana Football Association Vice President Fred Pappoe has expressed strong confidence in Carlos Queiroz, backing the newly appointed Black Stars head coach to successfully guide the national team through a challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Queiroz, who replaces Otto Addo on a short-term four-month contract, was officially unveiled on Thursday at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, stepping into a role filled with urgency and expectation.
Speaking to SuperSport Blitz after the unveiling, Pappoe admitted that Ghana faces a tight preparation window ahead of the global tournament but believes the Portuguese tactician has the experience and leadership qualities required to navigate the situation.
“We are in a situation where we had to appoint a coach in less than three months before the start of the World Cup, but we are there,” he said.
“Men are meant to solve problems, so I believe Carlos Queiroz is the man for the situation we are in now. He is a mature person with a pedigree, someone who has confidence, realistic, who commands respect and above all, he is humble — and these are important things to me.”
The former Black Stars Management Committee chairman emphasised that Queiroz’s calm approach and vast international experience make him well-suited for the demanding task ahead, urging Ghanaians to rally behind the coach.
“He appears well-suited for the job and the situation we are in, so we all have to pray that he succeeds,” Pappoe added.
Queiroz is expected to begin work immediately, with Ghana scheduled to face Mexico and Wales in preparatory friendlies as part of their build-up to the tournament.
The Black Stars will compete in Group L at the World Cup, where they face a stern challenge against England, Croatia, and Panama. Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
