Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has defended Carlos Queiroz’s approach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Portuguese coach did not have enough time to fully implement his ideas with the Black Stars.

Queiroz took charge of Ghana on a short-term deal after replacing Otto Addo just weeks before the tournament in North America and guided the Black Stars to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010.

Although Ghana’s campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat by Colombia in the Round of 32, the GFA has since confirmed that the 73-year-old will remain in charge for the start of the country’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Speaking to 3Sports, Okraku dismissed criticism that Ghana sacrificed its traditional attacking identity under Queiroz, arguing that the pursuit of an attractive style has not delivered the success the country craves.

“Style has not taken us anywhere,” he said.

“We’ve not won the AFCON.”
Ghana have not lifted the continental title since 1982, and Okraku said the country’s long wait for a fifth crown should prompt a rethink about prioritising entertainment over results.

He also urged fans to consider the circumstances under which Queiroz inherited the team, with less than two months to prepare for the World Cup.

“The man took over the team barely two months before the World Cup,” Okraku said.

“He had to scout 24 hours a day, put a squad together and develop the right strategy. It was not an easy call.”

Okraku pointed to Ghana’s performance in the 2-1 defeat by Croatia as evidence that the team showed signs of progress despite the result.

“There were moments in that game when Croatia could not even come out of their own third,” he said.

“That was Ghana being in control during that period.”

The GFA president believes Queiroz’s tactical approach could evolve further with more time, greater continuity and a different group of players.

“Maybe the style will be different, the approach will be different,” he said.

Okraku also highlighted what he described as the coach’s tactical flexibility during the tournament, noting that Ghana adopted contrasting game plans against England and Colombia.

“The style against Colombia was not the same as the style against England,” he said.

“We got the desired result against England, but not against Colombia. What do we want as a people?”

Queiroz’s first assignment under his new deal will be the opening matches of Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign later this month.

The Black Stars travel to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

After failing to qualify for the previous AFCON finals in Morocco, Ghana will be aiming to secure a swift return to the continent’s flagship tournament.