Local players got a big boost when Carlos Queiroz announced he would closely watch the Black Galaxies as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The experienced Portuguese coach, who has worked with Real Madrid and Manchester United, takes over from Otto Addo after recent losses to Austria and Germany in friendly matches.

At his introduction at the Alisa Hotel, Queiroz said preparations need to start right away and shared that talent scouting has already begun.

As part of this plan, he asked the Ghana Football Association to put together a squad of local players for a friendly match against Mexico.

This match will give local players a big chance to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the senior national team.

Right now, about 35 players are training with Black Galaxies coach Kassim Ocansey to get ready for the friendly on May 22. The group includes top local league players who want to impress the new national coach.

Players like Benjamin Asare and Salim Adams are expected to play as they try to bring their strong club performances to the international level.

Queiroz’s approach is more inclusive, as he wants to widen the talent pool and focus on how players perform rather than where they play.

At 73, Queiroz has managed top national teams like Portugal and Iran, and has also worked with Egypt, Japan, Qatar, and Oman.

He has strong World Cup experience, having led South Africa to the 2002 tournament, taken Portugal to the 2010 knockout stage, and managed Iran in 2014 and 2018.

As preparations continue, Queiroz is expected to quickly review his squad choices while building a strong team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Ghana will start its World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, then face England and Croatia in a tough group stage.