Walid Regragui, the Moroccan tactician who guided the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge of Ghana's senior national team. The 51-year-old stepped down as Morocco's head coach in March 2026, ending a tenure widely regarded as one of the most successful in African football history. Under him, Morocco became the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final.
Regragui's record and deep familiarity with African football have been cited as factors that could make him attractive to the Ghana Football Association. He also led the Atlas Lions to the final of AFCON 2025, where Morocco were later confirmed as champions following an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation. The Ghana FA has not confirmed any contact or formal negotiations with Regragui, and his representatives have not substantiated the interest either.
The vacancy was created when Carlos Queiroz left the Black Stars job just 29 days after being reappointed, following back-to-back losses to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in 2027 AFCON qualifying matches. Ghana lost 2-0 away to the Ivorians before falling 4-2 at home to the Gambians, results that piled pressure on the GFA to move quickly on a successor. Sports Minister Kofi Adams reversed his earlier position and joined GFA President Kurt Okraku on a joint committee tasked with identifying and recommending Queiroz's replacement.
The joint committee's formation signalled that the search for a new coach would not be left to the football association alone, with government now playing an active role in the process. In a twist that underscored Queiroz's continued standing in African football circles even after his Ghana exit, he had been invited by the Confederation of African Football to speak at its Strategy Conference in Cape Verde on the future of football on the continent.
Ghana's next assignment in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers comes in November, against Somalia, giving the Black Stars a chance to recover points after their winless start to the campaign. Who takes charge of the team before then will shape Ghana's qualification hopes for the tournament, a competition the nation has not won since 1982. Fans and stakeholders will also be watching whether the newly formed joint committee between the GFA and Sports Ministry can move faster than previous coaching searches.
No official timeline has been given for when the GFA or the joint selection committee will announce a decision. The association has not confirmed whether a formal approach has been made to Regragui, and it remains unclear whether other candidates are being considered alongside him. Ghana's qualifying fixture against Somalia in November stands as the next concrete date on the football calendar.
The Black Stars will need a coach on the touchline by November, and the GFA must make a decision soon to ensure the team is well-prepared for the upcoming match. Regragui's experience and success with Morocco make him a strong candidate, but the GFA must consider all options before making a final decision. The appointment of a new coach will be crucial in determining the team's chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
Key points
- Walid Regragui is the leading candidate to replace Carlos Queiroz as Ghana's Black Stars head coach.
- Regragui's record and deep familiarity with African football make him an attractive candidate.
- Ghana's next assignment in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers is against Somalia in November.
