Ghana's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has parted ways with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) by mutual consent, following the team's 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The decision was announced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and marks the end of Queiroz's tenure with the Black Stars. His departure comes after Ghana's disappointing start to the AFCON qualifying campaign, with consecutive defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
Queiroz, 73, was appointed in April as a short-term replacement for Otto Addo, with his initial four-month contract covering Ghana's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars reached the Round of 32 at the tournament before losing 1-0 to Colombia. Although his future became uncertain after the World Cup, the GFA later agreed to continue his tenure into the next phase of the programme, covering the September international window and the opening AFCON qualifiers.
The Portuguese coach cited the lack of necessary conditions to achieve his objectives with the national team as a reason for his departure. He expressed his gratitude to the GFA, particularly its President, for trusting him with the opportunity to lead the Black Stars. Queiroz also thanked his technical staff and everyone who supported the team, especially those involved since the start of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
In his farewell message, Queiroz praised the players for representing Ghana "with courage, commitment and pride". He urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the squad despite the difficult start to the AFCON campaign, believing that the current generation possesses the talent and potential to achieve success if provided with the right conditions.
The Gambia defeat was particularly disappointing for Ghana, as the team surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday. The result left the Black Stars at the bottom of Group C without a point from their opening two matches, having also conceded six goals in the process. Following the defeat, Queiroz apologized to supporters and pointed to the absence of several players and changes to the squad between matches as factors that affected the team.
Queiroz's departure brings an end to a brief but eventful period with the Black Stars. He had initially been tasked with guiding the team through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but his role was extended to cover the AFCON qualifiers. Despite his efforts, the team failed to secure a positive result in either of their opening two matches, leading to his eventual exit.
As Queiroz departs, the GFA will need to find a suitable replacement to lead the Black Stars forward. The team's next matches will be crucial in determining their chances of progressing to the AFCON. With the right guidance and support, the current generation of players may yet fulfill their potential and achieve success on the international stage.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz exits as Ghana's Black Stars coach after mutual consent with GFA.
- Ghana suffered consecutive defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in AFCON qualifiers.
- Queiroz cited lack of necessary conditions as reason for departure.
