Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has called on newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz to unlock the potential of a squad struggling for national team form despite the individual brilliance of its players at club level, as Ghana prepares for the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
Queiroz, unveiled in April to replace Otto Addo, inherits a side on a four-match losing streak and faces the immediate challenge of bridging a visible gap between what key players produce for their clubs and what they deliver in the national jersey.
Adams pointed specifically to Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus as examples of the disconnect. Semenyo has been among the most productive forwards in European football this season, contributing 20 goals and six assists across competitions, while Kudus registered nine goals for Tottenham Hotspur before an injury sidelined him in January. “The new coach has work to do to make these talents achieve results,” Adams told SoccerChat.
Queiroz has signalled a merit-based selection approach, stating that only deserving players will earn call-ups as he targets a final squad submission by June 1 for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Ghana will use upcoming friendlies to build momentum, facing Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2 ahead of the World Cup. The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama and are chasing their first knockout-stage appearance since their historic run in 2010.
