Queiroz Denies Saudi or Ghana Talks as World Cup 2026 Looms: Will His World Cup Streak End?
2 April 2026
The Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who has overseen four World Cup campaigns, is asked if the streak can continue in the next edition.
Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, the former Oman manager, addressed whether he had received offers to coach Saudi Arabia and Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for next summer.
The future of Herve Renard with the Saudi national team appears uncertain as the Green Falcons’ results during the recent international window have sparked concerns about the team’s level.
Reports also suggested that the Saudi Football Federation might consider hiring another coach for the World Cup, while other reports claimed Renard might seek relief from the mission himself.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association is looking for a new coach after a downturn in the Stars of Africa’s results, especially their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Two weeks ago Queiroz parted ways with the Omani national team by mutual consent, despite the contract running until June, fueling questions about whether this move could be connected to a World Cup assignment, given the Portuguese coach’s extensive international resume.
Queiroz to Kooora: No Talks with Saudi Arabia or Ghana
In exclusive remarks to Kooora (via Futbolko), Queiroz stated he had received no offers from either the Saudi or Ghanaian federations to coach their teams in the upcoming World Cup.
The seasoned coach added that his departure from Oman has nothing to do with any interest from other parties.
He further expressed gratitude for how he was welcomed and treated in Oman by officials and fans.
He reiterated that there had been no contact with the Saudi federation, nor any discussion with Ghana.
Queiroz underscored that his departure from Oman was due to security conditions in the Gulf region caused by war, not for any other reason.
Four World Cup Appearances
At 73, Queiroz has a long CV, especially in Asia and Africa, making him a perennial candidate to lead continental teams at the World Cup.
In Asia, he previously managed Saudi Arabia (January–June 2000), and led the UAE, Iran (in two spells), Qatar, and Oman.
On the African continent, he left a mark with Egypt (September 2021–April 2022) and had an earlier stint with South Africa early in the century.
Additionally, he guided his homeland Portugal (July 2008–September 2010) and Colombia (February 2019–December 2020).
Queiroz has overseen the last four World Cups: 2010 with Portugal, and 2014, 2018, 2022 with Iran.
With his latest remarks about not engaging with any federation for now, Queiroz seems poised to miss the World Cup for the first time in two decades, at least for the moment.
