Reports indicate that Carlos Queiroz will not be on the touchline when Ghana face Mexico in an international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026, with one of his assistant coaches expected to take temporary charge of the Black Stars.

According to 3Sports, Queiroz will miss the game, meaning an assistant coach will oversee training sessions and also lead the team from the dugout for the highly anticipated clash.

The friendly forms part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is expected to serve as a major assessment platform for several new and fringe players named in the squad.

The match falls outside the FIFA international window, leading to an experimental squad featuring local talents, U23 players and several uncapped names.

Black Stars train in Puebla for Mexico friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup

One of the assistant coaches, Ofei, who has played a key role in the setup since Queiroz’s appointment, recently described the Mexico game as “more than just a game,” insisting it offers players the chance to prove themselves ahead of the World Cup.

The second assistant coach has also acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting Ghana, describing Mexico as a side with “great intensity and international experience.”

Mexico, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, are also expected to use the fixture as part of their final preparations for the tournament.

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