Ghana and Carlos Queiroz have mutually agreed to end their relationship after a second spell that lasted barely a month, following back-to-back defeats that left the Black Stars pointless and bottom of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group. The Ghana Football Association published Queiroz’s statement on 1 October 2026 confirming the termination of his service agreement.
The Portuguese coach, 73, had been reappointed only in early September—announced on 3 September—to lead the side into the new AFCON cycle after an earlier, short-term mandate that took Ghana to the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. The latest chapter therefore covered roughly 28–29 days and two competitive matches, both lost.
The second appointment Queiroz first took charge in April 2026 as an emergency replacement for Otto Addo, on a four-month deal covering the World Cup. Ghana, who had been on a poor run, beat Panama, drew 0-0 with England and lost to Croatia to finish third in Group L and advance as one of the best third-placed teams—their first knockout appearance since 2010.
The qualifying collapse occurred in Group C, which also contains Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia, with the top two qualifying directly. On 24 September in Bouaké, Ghana lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire. Malick Yalcouyé scored just before half-time; Franck Kessié converted a second-half penalty.
Five days later, at the Accra Sports Stadium, the situation deteriorated sharply. Ghana led 2-0 through an Ernest Nuamah penalty and a Felix Afena-Gyan free-kick. The Gambia equalised before the break via a Mohammed Badamosi penalty and an Omar Colley goal, then completed a 4-2 comeback with further goals from Ebrima Colley and Omar Colley.
In the post-match press conference, Queiroz apologised repeatedly, took sole responsibility, and described the two early concessions as morale-killers. He also highlighted squad disruption: he claimed roughly two dozen senior players were unavailable through injury or other reasons, forcing constant changes, and noted that opponents had fielded stronger available squads.
Queiroz’s statement, carried on the GFA website, read in part: “Following discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect, the Ghana Football Association and I have mutually agreed to terminate the Service Agreement governing my role as Head Coach of the Ghana National Team, the Black Stars.” Ghana remain in the group with four matches still to play and now has no permanent head coach for the next window.
Key points
- The Ghana Football Association and Carlos Queiroz mutually agreed to end their relationship after a second spell that lasted barely a month.
- The Black Stars are pointless and bottom of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group after back-to-back defeats.
- Queiroz leaves with a long résumé that includes spells at Real Madrid, two assistant roles under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and World Cup campaigns with Portugal, Iran, and Ghana.
