Sports
2026 World Cup: Let’s rally behind Carlos Queiroz – Former GFA Veep, Fred Pappoe
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President Fred Pappoe has urged Ghanaians to throw their full support behind newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The experienced Portuguese tactician has been handed a short-term contract to lead Ghana into the global tournament this summer, replacing Otto Addo, who was relieved of his duties following back-to-back defeats to Austria and Germany during the March international window.
Addo, who was reappointed in March 2024, exited after a difficult spell that also included failure to guide the Black Stars to AFCON 2025 qualification, despite continued backing from the Ghana Football Association.
Speaking in an interview with Adom FM, Pappoe, a former Black Stars Management Committee chairman, stressed the need for unity and collective backing for the new coach.
“We have limited time for the World Cup, and if you look into the list available and you check our pocket, I believe we have to rally behind whoever has been appointed,” he said.
“We were all clamouring for a respected coach, and someone who can transform the team and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) together with the Sports Ministry has come out with their choice, and we have to support him.”
He highlighted Queiroz’s vast international experience, noting his four World Cup appearances, and urged critics to focus less on negatives and more on helping the team succeed.
“He has been at the World Cup four times, and we don’t have to focus on the negatives, but rather support him,” Pappoe added.
Queiroz is expected to meet the squad next month when Ghana assembles for an international friendly against Mexico, followed by another preparatory match against Wales on June 2.
Ghana, set for its fifth World Cup appearance, has been drawn in Group L for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
With previous underwhelming World Cup performances in 2014 and 2022 still fresh in memory, Queiroz faces the task of guiding Ghana to a stronger and more competitive showing on football’s biggest stage.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
