Following his departure from Oman, Kerosh reveals to Koora the truth behind the offers from Saudi Arabia and Ghana

Carlos Queiroz, the former Oman national team manager, has revealed that he received offers to manage Saudi Arabia and Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for next summer.

It is no longer certain that Frenchman Hervé Renard will remain in charge of the Saudi national team, given the team’s poor results during the recent international break, having lost to Egypt and Serbia, which has raised concerns about the team’s form.

Press reports have suggested that the Saudi Arabian Football Federation may be considering hiring another coach to lead the national team at the World Cup, whilst other reports have confirmed that Renard himself may request to be relieved of his duties.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association is seeking a new coach to replace the sacked Otto Oddo, following the Black Stars’ poor results, particularly as the team failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Two weeks ago, Queiroz terminated his contract with the Omani national team by mutual consent, despite the contract running until next June, raising questions about the connection between this move and coaching a team competing in the upcoming World Cup, particularly as the Portuguese coach possesses significant international experience.

Queiroz to Koora: No negotiations with Saudi Arabia or Ghana

However, in exclusive comments to the Koora website, part of “Footballko”, on Thursday, Queiroz said he had not received any offers from the Saudi or Ghanaian football associations to coach their national teams at the upcoming World Cup.

The veteran Portuguese coach explained, “My departure from the Oman national team has nothing to do with any interest from other parties.”

The former Real Madrid manager added: “I would just like to express my gratitude for the way I was welcomed and treated in Oman, both by officials and the fans.”

He continued, “There has been no contact between me and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, nor has anyone from Ghana spoken to me.”

Queiroz emphasised that his departure from the Omani national team “is due to the unstable security situation in the Gulf region as a result of the war, and there is no other reason”.

Four World Cup appearances

The 73-year-old Queiroz has a long career, particularly in Asia and Africa, making him one of the perennial candidates to lead teams from both continents at the World Cup.

In Asia, Queiroz previously coached the Saudi Arabian national team from January to June 2000, and has also managed the national teams of the United Arab Emirates, Iran (on two occasions), Qatar and Oman.

In Africa, Queiroz made his mark with the Egyptian national team from September 2021 to April 2022, in addition to a previous spell with South Africa at the start of this century.

In addition, he managed his home country, Portugal, from July 2008 to September 2010, and Colombia from February 2019 to December 2020.

Queiroz has participated in the last four World Cups: 2010 with Portugal, and 2014, 2018 and 2022 as head coach of Iran.

Following his comments that he is not currently in contact with any national team, Queiroz is on the verge of missing the World Cup for the first time in two decades.

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