Former Ghana tactician Carlos Queiroz in talks for Bahrain coaching job

Immediate-past Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz is in talks with the Bahrain national team over a potential return to international management following his departure from the Black Stars.

The experienced Portuguese tactician parted ways with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after the Black Stars endured a disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering another setback at home, losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The back-to-back defeats left Ghana without a point from their opening two matches and at the bottom of the group, putting their hopes of qualifying for the tournament, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, under serious pressure.

Only days after his departure from the Ghana setup, Queiroz has emerged as a potential candidate for the Bahrain coaching position, with negotiations reportedly already underway.

According to his agent, Tadeo Martins, discussions between Queiroz and the Bahrain Football Association are ongoing as the Portuguese coach considers his next move.

“Negotiations are currently underway with the Bahrain national team,” Martins revealed in an interview with Moroccan outlet Pulse.

The development could see the 74-year-old return to international football after a short second spell with Ghana.

Martins also moved to dismiss reports linking Queiroz with Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, making it clear that there are no talks between the two parties.

“There are no negotiations between Carlos Queiroz and Wydad Athletic Club,” he added.

Queiroz has extensive experience in international management, having previously coached national teams including Egypt, Iraq and Ghana, as well as working with some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

His most recent appointment with Ghana came in April, just two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His initial four-month contract was designed to cover the team’s preparations for the tournament and the World Cup itself, with his primary objective being to guide the Black Stars on the global stage.

Despite the limited preparation time, Queiroz helped Ghana progress from a difficult group featuring England, Croatia and Panama before their campaign ended in the round of 16 against Colombia.

The tournament represented the Portuguese coach’s fifth appearance at a World Cup.

Although Queiroz initially left his position following the competition, the GFA subsequently opted to retain him, with his international experience and familiarity with the squad among the factors behind the decision.

However, his second spell in charge lasted only a short period after Ghana’s poor opening to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers brought renewed pressure on his position.

With his Ghana tenure now over, negotiations with Bahrain could offer Queiroz an immediate route back into international management.

For now, discussions remain ongoing, with a potential agreement set to determine whether the Portuguese coach will take charge of the Bahrain national team.