By TheDailyNewsHub News Desk | October 1, 2026
Carlos Queiroz has left his position as head coach of Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Portuguese manager mutually agreed to terminate his contract following a disappointing start to the country’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The GFA announced the development on Thursday, October 1, bringing an end to Queiroz’s second spell in charge less than a month after he returned to the position.
His departure follows Ghana’s 4–2 home defeat to The Gambia in Accra on September 29, a result that compounded the team’s earlier 2–0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C qualifier.
The defeat to The Gambia was particularly damaging for the Black Stars, who had established a two-goal lead before conceding four times. The back-to-back losses have left Ghana without a point from its first two qualifying matches, placing the team under pressure to revive its campaign.
In its statement confirming the separation, the GFA said the decision followed discussions with Queiroz and was reached in the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and the country’s football development.
The association thanked the 73-year-old coach for his commitment and professionalism, including his work during preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the ongoing AFCON qualifying campaign.
Queiroz also confirmed the agreement in a separate statement, describing the decision as difficult but appropriate under the circumstances.
He said he had arrived in Ghana with the intention of building a stronger future for the national team and supporting the development of local football talent. However, he acknowledged that the conditions he considered necessary for achieving those objectives had not been fully established.
The former Manchester United assistant manager also admitted that the team’s recent performances contributed to the decision to end the relationship.
Queiroz thanked the GFA leadership, his technical team and the players, while urging supporters to continue backing the squad despite the disappointing results.
His departure marks another change in the Black Stars’ technical leadership within a short period. Queiroz was initially appointed in April 2026 on a short-term agreement to guide Ghana through the World Cup campaign.
Under his leadership, Ghana reached the Round of 32 at the tournament before losing 1–0 to Colombia on July 3. The team had opened its World Cup campaign with a 1–0 victory over Panama, drew 0–0 with England and also recorded a 2–1 defeat to Croatia during the group stage.
Following the World Cup, Queiroz stepped down as his initial contract ended. However, after discussions involving the GFA and Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the association announced on September 4 that he would continue as head coach under a new mandate ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The renewed arrangement was intended to provide continuity as Ghana pursued qualification for the continental tournament. His second spell, however, ended after the opening two qualifying defeats.
Reuters reported that Queiroz won one of the seven matches he managed during his time in charge, with Ghana recording two draws and four defeats across the period.
The coaching change comes against the background of Ghana’s efforts to restore its standing in African football. The four-time African champions have faced growing expectations from supporters following their recent difficulties at major competitions, including their failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
The 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign presents another opportunity for the Black Stars to return to the continental championship, but the opening results have left them needing a strong response in their remaining fixtures.
Ghana are in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Somalia in back-to-back qualifying matches in November, according to Reuters.
The GFA said it would announce further technical arrangements and the next steps concerning the team’s leadership in due course. It has not yet named a successor to Queiroz.
The latest departure leaves Ghana needing to address both its coaching situation and performances on the pitch as preparations continue for the next round of AFCON qualifiers.