World Cup 2026: Carlos Queiroz must crush egos to revive Ghana – Marcel Desailly

French football legend Marcel Desailly believes new Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has the experience and authority needed to steer the Black Stars towards a successful World Cup campaign.

Queiroz was appointed shortly before the tournament following the departure of Otto Addo, and Desailly expects the veteran Portuguese tactician to stamp his authority on the squad quickly.

The former France captain, who was born in Accra, praised Addo’s work but suggested disappointing results in recent friendly matches ultimately counted against the former coach.

Desailly believes Queiroz’s extensive experience at club and international level could help address some long-standing issues within African football.

The World Cup winner argued that some African teams often struggle with player management and squad hierarchy, especially when experienced players remain influential despite declining performances.

According to Desailly, Queiroz’s reputation and track record should allow him to make difficult decisions without being constrained by outside pressure.

“I love the previous coach (Otto Addo),” he told Flashscore. “He was unlucky that they did not perform during the friendlies. But I believe that Queiroz will bring his own touch into the system. I talk about the system.

“In Ghana and many other countries, the system is that sometimes the coach has to adapt to what the management and administration are telling him, you see?

“So Queiroz will deal with his own sensibility. He knows about football. He has experience in football. He has real experience in European football over the years. So he will kill a little bit of the egos. In Africa, we have a problem with the egos. The older players that are in the team, who are no longer performing, but they are still there, and you cannot move them out.

“There are some very good players who are first choice in the Premier League and in other leagues. So I am hoping that Ghana will be with Morocco, with Senegal, and the Ivory Coast as the surprises of this World Cup. We have 10 African teams at the World Cup. 

“So Ghana could be one of the surprises if they start very well with the confidence and a good philosophy from Queiroz, and kill all the things that I’ve said before: the egos and the older player problems, those who are in the system that sometimes delay the development of others.”

Ghana enter the tournament under pressure after failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, but Desailly believes the arrival of Queiroz could provide the fresh direction needed to restore confidence and competitiveness on the global stage.

Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup group fixtures will take place between Wednesday, June 17, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, across three different cities in Canada and the United States.

Competing in Group L, the Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto, Canada.

For their second match, Ghana will face England on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The team will then conclude their group stage assignments against Croatia on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.