By Kwame Bediako
Black Queens head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren has been appointed assistant coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be staged in North America. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the appointment as part of efforts to strengthen the technical setup of the senior men’s national team for the global showpiece scheduled for June and July.
Björkegren, who is currently head coach of the Black Queens, will be joined by Alan Ravara as a supporting coach in the revamped technical team. The GFA believes the additions will bring fresh tactical insight and depth as Ghana prepares for a demanding World Cup campaign.
The Swedish tactician has been in Ghana since 2025, when he replaced Nora Hauptle as head coach of the Black Queens. Under his leadership, the women’s national team secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and also booked qualification for the 2026 edition of the tournament, earning him plaudits for his impact.
His new role means Björkegren will serve in a dual capacity with both the men’s and women’s national teams. As part of the restructuring, Desmond Offei and former Black Stars defender John Paintsil have exited their roles with the senior men’s side.
Further changes to the technical department see José Daniel Martínez Alfonso appointed as scout and video analyst, while Carlos Lozano Romero takes up the role of team physiotherapist. Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi also returns to the setup as performance coach. The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto before facing England and Croatia in matches to be played in the United States.
