I want to continue and improve Otto Addo's legacy - Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz

New Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed admiration for his predecessor, Otto Addo, crediting him for laying a strong foundation for Ghana’s qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician, who has signed a four-month deal to lead Ghana into the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, replaces Addo following his dismissal in March after defeats to Austria and Germany.

Despite the change in leadership, Queiroz was quick to acknowledge Addo’s historic achievement, noting that his work has given the team a platform to build on.

“We must improve the legacy of the previous coach, Otto Addo. I thank him very much for qualifying Ghana for the World Cup; that is our goal,” Queiroz said during his unveiling in Accra on Thursday.

Addo made history by becoming the first coach to guide Ghana to two World Cup qualifications, leading the Black Stars to both the 2022 and 2026 tournaments. Under his tenure, Ghana also went unbeaten in the latest qualifying campaign, finishing top of Group I with 25 points.

Queiroz, however, made it clear that sentiment will not guide his decisions as he begins preparations for the global showpiece. He stressed that a detailed evaluation of the squad is already underway.

“We are studying and analysing everything related to the past of the team in order to improve,” he said.

“We are making an honest assessment of where we stand, the value of the players, and the value of the team.”

The former Real Madrid and Portugal coach insisted that selection decisions will be central to Ghana’s success in the tournament.

“There is a difference between a good decision and a bad decision in football; we must bring the right players to build the right team.”

Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. Their campaign begins against Panama on June 17, followed by a clash with England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.