Carlos Queiroz has resigned as the coach of Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, due to a lack of infrastructure. The Portuguese coach's second spell with the team lasted only about a month. Queiroz and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) mutually agreed to end his contract on October 1, 2026, after consecutive defeats left Ghana at the bottom of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group.
The GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, stated that the lack of basic football infrastructure was a significant reason for Queiroz's departure. According to Asante Twum, Queiroz was surprised to find that the Black Stars do not have a dedicated training camp base. The team currently trains and plays at the same venue, the Accra Sports Stadium, which Queiroz believed affects the team's performance and pitch quality.
The lack of a separate training base has put additional pressure on the Accra Sports Stadium, which is the only approved stadium in Ghana for the Black Stars' AFCON 2027 qualifiers. The stadium was closed for pitch rehabilitation work ahead of the home fixture against The Gambia, and domestic football was also suspended while the surface was brought up to CAF standards.
Queiroz, 73, had a previous stint with the Black Stars from April 2026, leading the team to the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. He stepped down after the tournament and was reappointed in September for the AFCON qualifying campaign. However, his second spell was cut short after Ghana lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast and 4-2 to The Gambia, resulting in the team sitting at the bottom of their qualifying group with zero points.
In a statement released by the GFA, Queiroz expressed his gratitude to the association, his technical staff, and the players. He stated that he had arrived in Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars but decided to leave when the necessary conditions were not fully established.
The GFA has set up a five-member committee to identify a successor to Queiroz and is expected to submit recommendations to the Sports Ministry on October 9. The episode has renewed public and political pressure over the state of Ghana's senior-team facilities and the wider administration of the national team.
Additional friction between Queiroz and the GFA has been reported, including his preference for a longer lead time before camp, a desire for the squad to stay at a specific hotel, and discomfort over outside influence on squad selection. The GFA has announced that it will reveal technical arrangements for the team in due course.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz resigned as Black Stars coach due to a lack of infrastructure.
- The GFA has set up a committee to find a successor to Queiroz.
- Ghana's national team faces renewed pressure over its facilities and administration.
