Walid Regragui, a 51-year-old Moroccan coach, has reportedly become the top contender to replace Carlos Queiroz as the head coach of Ghana's Black Stars. Queiroz left the role just 29 days after his reappointment, following Ghana's back-to-back defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Regragui's name has been floated as a potential candidate, although the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has not confirmed any negotiations.
Regragui's credentials are impressive, having guided Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a historic achievement for an African team. He also led Morocco to the final of AFCON 2025, where they were declared champions after an appeal by the Moroccan FA. His experience and success in African football make him an attractive proposition for the GFA.
The GFA, in collaboration with the government, is now tasked with finding a new coach. The association has not officially announced plans to fill the vacant coaching position, but Regragui's name has been mentioned as a leading candidate. MoroccoXtra first reported the development, but the GFA has yet to confirm any contact with Regragui or whether formal negotiations have begun.
Ghana's difficult start to AFCON qualifying has placed pressure on the GFA to act decisively. The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Côte d'Ivoire and suffered a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia, per Reuters. The team will have an opportunity to recover ground in November with qualifying matches against Somalia.
The government is set to play an active role in the search for Ghana's next Black Stars coach. Three representatives from the Sports Ministry are expected to join the new committee tasked with assessing and recommending candidates for the vacant position. This development is expected to bring a more structured approach to the coaching search.
Regragui stepped down as Morocco's head coach in March 2026, ending a tenure that included one of African football's most celebrated achievements. His familiarity with African football and his record at the highest level of international competition make him a strong candidate for the Ghana job.
The GFA's decision on the next coach will be crucial in determining the future of Ghanaian football. With Regragui as a leading contender, the association will have to weigh its options carefully. The team faces a critical period, and the appointment of a new coach will be key in shaping the team's prospects.
Key points
- Walid Regragui has emerged as a leading candidate to become Ghana's next head coach following Carlos Queiroz's departure.
- Regragui guided Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the final of AFCON 2025.
- The GFA has not confirmed any negotiations with Regragui or officially announced plans to fill the vacant coaching position.
