10 problems new Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz must fix before 2026 World Cup

Carlos Queiroz has been appointed as Ghana’s Black Stars coach on a short-term deal just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The 73-year-old Portuguese veteran, with vast experience across five World Cups, inherits a side battling inconsistency, defensive fragility, discipline issues and now a fresh injury crisis.

Mohammed Salisu is officially ruled out after an ACL knee injury that requires up to nine months of recovery.

Mohammed Kudus, the team’s creative spark, has suffered a serious setback in his recovery from a quad/hamstring problem and is now a major doubt — with surgery potentially sidelining him for three months and likely ending his tournament hopes.

Ghana open Group L against Panama on 17 June in Toronto, before facing England and Croatia.

Queiroz must adapt quickly to these setbacks while solving deeper squad problems.

Here are 10 key actions the experienced tactician must take to rebuild the Black Stars, maximise remaining talent and give Ghana a fighting chance:

Conduct a ruthless, merit-based squad rebuild

With Salisu out and Kudus doubtful, Queiroz must immediately reassess the full player pool, dropping underperforming or unfit names. He should fast-track reliable alternatives and integrate hungry youngsters to plug the defensive and attacking gaps created by these absences.

Instil rock-solid defensive organisation without Salisu

Ghana’s backline has been vulnerable and Queiroz, a defensive pragmatist, needs to implement a compact 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1 system built around Alexander Djiku, Joseph Aidoo or other centre-back options, plus full-backs like Gideon Mensah. This directly tackles the structural weaknesses exposed in past tournaments.

Develop new creative outlets to replace Kudus’ magic

Kudus’ potential absence leaves a huge void in flair and goals. Queiroz must empower in-form attackers like Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew and wingers Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana or Christopher Bonsu Baah through rapid counter-attacks and set-pieces that exploit Ghanaian athleticism.

Build unity and discipline to overcome squad disruption

Injury crises often breed frustration and egos. Drawing from his Manchester United days under Sir Alex Ferguson, Queiroz must enforce strict standards, create a siege mentality and ensure every player buys into the team-first culture — solving past commitment and harmony problems.

Prioritise the must-win opener against Panama

The 17 June clash remains the most realistic points opportunity. Queiroz should use it as the foundation for confidence, addressing Ghana’s historical slow starts in major tournaments.

Blend structure with remaining flair for a clear identity

Without Kudus’ dynamism, the team risks looking blunt. Queiroz can adapt his organised patterns around Thomas Partey’s midfield control and the pace of Semenyo, Williams and Sulemana — giving the Black Stars a recognisable, competitive style.

Manage fitness and workload amid the injury crisis

Queiroz’s sports science knowledge from Real Madrid and Manchester United will be vital. He must design a smart pre-tournament camp to protect remaining key players like Partey, Semenyo and Ayew from further setbacks or fatigue.

Communicate transparently with media and passionate fans

Ghanaian supporters expect passion amid these blows. Queiroz, who reached the 2021 AFCON final with Egypt, should set realistic goals clearly — managing the intense “Black Stars pressure” that has destabilised previous campaigns.

Define clear roles for veterans and emerging talents

Veterans like Jordan Ayew and Partey provide leadership, while youngsters such as Bonsu Baah and other call-ups bring energy. Queiroz’s success developing Portugal’s Golden Generation means he can give everyone purpose, solving motivation and squad imbalance issues.

Target four points and a heroic group-stage fight

Realistically, Ghana must beat or draw with Panama, aim for a positive result against Croatia and limit damage against England. Queiroz’s history of punching above weight with underdogs suggests his disciplined, counter-attacking approach can restore pride if the remaining squad clicks.

At 73, Queiroz brings tactical wisdom and calm leadership to a Black Stars team facing urgent problems in defence, creativity and consistency. If he implements these steps swiftly despite the Salisu and Kudus blows, Ghana could still produce surprises — blending African resilience with European rigour.