The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has extended the application deadline for the vacant Black Stars head coach position to October 15, 2026. This decision was made in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Black Stars Coach Search Committee. The extension aims to widen the pool of suitably qualified candidates and support a more structured and comprehensive recruitment process.
The position became vacant on October 1, 2026, when Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz and the GFA mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Queiroz had been reappointed in early September 2026 after previously leading Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His departure followed a poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Ghana losing 2-0 away to Côte d’Ivoire and 4-2 at home to The Gambia.
A five-member Black Stars Coach Search Committee was formed on October 2, 2026, to identify, evaluate, and recommend a suitable candidate. The committee is chaired by former GFA Vice-President Fred Pappoe and includes Anthony Baffoe, Agbesi Dzakpasu, Stephen Appiah, and Faisal Chibsah. The committee was originally expected to submit its report by October 9, 2026, but with the deadline extension, they will continue their assessment and interviews through October and November 2026.
The GFA has stressed that the appointment should not be treated merely as a recruitment exercise but as an opportunity to establish a stronger football identity and reinforce high-performance standards. Candidates will be judged on technical competence, leadership qualities, cultural understanding, and high-performance standards. The objective is to identify the individual best suited to shape the future direction of Ghana football.
An interim technical team will be appointed to take charge of the Black Stars during the November fixtures, scheduled for the 9–17 November window. This arrangement allows the search committee to complete a rigorous process without compromising the team’s immediate competitive responsibilities as it seeks to revive its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Ghana’s difficulties extend beyond the recent results, with the Black Stars failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Ministry and GFA have discussed wider reforms covering national team management, coaching arrangements, youth development pathways, and a requirement that the next head coach reside in Ghana and regularly monitor the domestic league.
The GFA leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and professional process that serves the long-term interests of Ghanaian football. The extension of the deadline and the formation of the search committee are part of broader efforts to rebuild confidence in Ghanaian football amid concerns over national team performance and management.
Key points
- The Ghana FA has extended the application deadline for the Black Stars coach to October 15, 2026.
- A five-member search committee has been formed to identify and evaluate suitable candidates.
- An interim technical team will be appointed to manage the Black Stars during the November fixtures.
