Carlos Queiroz in talks to become Bahrain manager, with Wydad move denied

Carlos Queiroz has held talks with the Bahrain Football Association over becoming the national team’s next manager, according to a source close to the Portuguese coach.

The former Ghana manager is understood to be the leading candidate for the role, with an agreement potentially reached in the coming days. Queiroz’s appointment would be aimed at preparing Bahrain for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

“Queiroz held a meeting with officials from the Bahrain Football Association to discuss taking charge of the national team, and the matter could be settled within the next few days,” the source told Kooora.

The Bahrain Football Association has also contacted two other coaches, despite Queiroz currently being considered the preferred option.

Bahrain are seeking a replacement for Dragan Talajic, who is facing the prospect of dismissal after the team’s disappointing group-stage exit from the Gulf Cup 27, which is currently being held in Saudi Arabia.

A move to Bahrain would give Queiroz his fifth Arab national-team appointment during a lengthy managerial career. He previously led United Arab Emirates from 1998 to 1999, Egypt from 2020 to 2021, Qatar in 2023 and Oman from 2025 to 2026.

Queiroz recently ended his second spell as Ghana manager by mutual consent after a poor run of results. The Black Stars lost to Ivory Coast and Gambia in their opening two matches of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Wydad reports dismissed

The source also rejected reports that Queiroz was close to taking charge of Moroccan club Wydad in the near future.

“Queiroz has not spoken to anyone from Morocco in recent days. Reports claiming he has entered negotiations with Wydad, or even had friendly contact with anyone there, are completely without foundation,” the source said.

Moroccan media reports two days ago had suggested that Queiroz was nearing an agreement to replace his compatriot Sergio Pablo Brito as Wydad manager.

Brito has come under strong criticism, but the source said there had been no discussions between the Portuguese coach and representatives of the Moroccan club.