The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced on October 1, 2026, that Carlos Queiroz has been dismissed as head coach of the Black Stars. This decision was made following a meeting between the GFA and Queiroz, where both parties mutually agreed to part ways. The move comes after Ghana's disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with back-to-back defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia.
Under Queiroz's leadership, the Black Stars suffered a poor start to the AFCON qualifiers, leaving them at the bottom of their group. The GFA and Queiroz had been working together since his appointment as head coach of the Ghana National Team. The Portuguese coach had expressed his commitment to helping build a stronger future for the Black Stars and supporting the development of Ghana's talent.
In an official statement, Queiroz expressed his gratitude to the GFA and its President for the opportunity to lead the Black Stars. He acknowledged that despite their commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established, and their recent performance led to the decision to end their professional relationship. Queiroz emphasized that the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars, and Ghanaian football were paramount.
Queiroz also paid tribute to the players of the Black Stars, thanking them for representing Ghana with courage, commitment, and pride. He urged Ghanaians to believe in the players, protect them, and support them, highlighting the talent and potential within the team. According to Queiroz, with unity, support, and the right environment, this generation of players can achieve great things for Ghana.
The GFA has not announced a replacement for Queiroz, and it is unclear who will take over as head coach of the Black Stars. The team's next matches will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The GFA will need to act quickly to ensure that the team is well-prepared for their upcoming fixtures.
The dismissal of Queiroz has sparked mixed reactions from Ghanaians, with some calling for the dissolution of the GFA. The Parliamentary Sports Committee has invited the Ministry and GFA to discuss the Black Stars' struggles. Former Youth and Sports Minister, Emmanuel Osei, has questioned the appointment process of Queiroz, alleging possible corruption.
Carlos Queiroz leaves the Black Stars with a legacy of dedication and commitment. His tenure as head coach was marked by challenges, but he remains optimistic about the future of Ghanaian football. As the team moves forward, the focus will be on finding a new coach and rebuilding the team's momentum in the AFCON qualifiers.
Key points
- The Ghana Football Association terminated Carlos Queiroz's contract as head coach of the Black Stars due to poor performance in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
