Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has identified the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the starting point for Ghana’s ambition to build a team capable of competing strongly at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The 73-year-old Portuguese coach made the declaration after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) retained him as head coach of the senior national team.
In a message to Ghanaian football fans on Facebook on Thursday, September 3, Queiroz said his continuation in the role marks the beginning of a “new chapter” for the Black Stars.
“The Africa Cup of Nations is much more than our next destination — it is the golden gateway to building the Black Stars that will shine and proudly compete at the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” he said.
Coach Queiroz said his immediate priorities would be to improve the team, unite the country and restore Ghana’s competitiveness on the international stage.
“Our ambition is clear: improve every day, unite the nation, make Ghana stronger and fight for every victory with passion, humility and pride,” he said.
The coach also praised the players, technical staff and the GFA for their efforts during the 2026 World Cup campaign, saying their performance had helped rebuild confidence in the national team.
“I am proud of what our players, staff and Federation achieved together under challenging circumstances at the 2026 World Cup final competition,” Queiroz said.
“Their courage, discipline, and commitment restored belief, competitiveness, and the Pride of a Nation.”
Coach Queiroz described his continued role as both a privilege and a responsibility to a country with a rich football tradition.
“Serving Ghana is far more than coaching a football team. It is a privilege, a responsibility, and a mission to honour one of Africa’s greatest football nations and its incredible and passionate football People,” he said.
With the AFCON now positioned as a key part of his longer-term plan, Queiroz has signalled that his next mandate will extend beyond the immediate tournament cycle, with the 2030 World Cup emerging as the ultimate target.
“One Team. One Nation. 35 Million Hearts. One Heartbeat. The Mission Continues,” he said.
