Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has thrown his support behind Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the Black Stars, brushing aside worries about the timing of the appointment just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician stepped into the role in April, following the Ghana Football Association’s decision to part ways with Otto Addo. Addo had steered Ghana to World Cup qualification, but his tenure ended after back-to-back friendly losses to Austria and Germany in March.

In an interview on TV3, Adams dismissed claims that hiring a new coach so close to the tournament was a gamble, emphasizing that such moves are a familiar part of the international football landscape.

“Appointing a coach a few months before a major tournament is not unusual,” he said.

Queiroz, whose coaching journey includes stints with Egypt, Iran, and Colombia, now carries the hopes of the Black Stars as they aim to break past the group stage for the first time since their unforgettable quarter-final run in 2010.

Ghana is set for its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, with the tournament unfolding across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Black Stars face a challenging Group L, drawn against England, Croatia, and Panama.

Ghana’s journey kicks off against Panama at BMO Field on June 17, followed by a much-anticipated showdown with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. The Black Stars will wrap up their group-stage battles against Croatia on June 27.