Carlos Queiroz has left his position as head coach of the Black Stars after mutually agreeing with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to terminate his contract.
The decision follows a difficult start to Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, with the Black Stars suffering defeats in their opening two Group C matches.
Queiroz was appointed in April to lead Ghana into the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the sacking of Otto Addo. The Portuguese coach guided the Black Stars through the tournament in North America, where Ghana progressed to the knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 World Cup.
Ghana, however, exited at the round of 32 stage after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Queiroz initially signed a short-term agreement with the GFA that ran until the end of July. Following Ghana’s World Cup campaign, the two parties renegotiated and reached a new agreement for him to remain in charge as the Black Stars began their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
The new spell, however, lasted only a few weeks.
Ghana opened the qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering a damaging 4-2 home loss to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.
The defeat to The Gambia came after Ghana had taken a two-goal lead, leaving the Black Stars without a point from their first two qualifying matches and increasing pressure around the team’s direction under Queiroz.
Queiroz: Ending The Relationship Was The Appropriate Course
Following discussions between the two parties, Queiroz confirmed that he and the GFA had reached an agreement to bring his tenure to an end.
“Following discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect, the Ghana Football Association and I have mutually agreed to terminate the Service Agreement governing my role as Head Coach of the Ghana National Team, the Black Stars.”
“This was not an easy decision, but both parties agreed that, under the present circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else.”
Carlos Queiroz
The 73-year-old coach had already indicated after the defeat to The Gambia that he was prepared to take responsibility if his departure could help Ghanaian football move forward.
“If resigning will make Ghana football better, I’ll be the first one to resign,” Queiroz said after the match, while insisting that he still believed he was the right person to lead the Black Stars back to the 2027 AFCON.
That position has now changed following discussions with the GFA.
Queiroz leaves Ghana with just one victory from seven matches during his five-month tenure. His record also includes two draws and four defeats.
In his departure statement, the Portuguese coach acknowledged that the conditions required for the project had not been fully established. “I came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars and support the development of the country’s talent,” he said. “Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end.”
Queiroz also used his final message to defend the players and called on Ghanaians to continue supporting the current generation.
“Above all, I pay tribute to the players of the Black Stars. Thank you to all of them who represented Ghana with courage, commitment and pride. You fought for your country and carried the hopes of millions. Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them. The talent and potential are there. With unity, support and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana.”
CArlos Queiroz
The Portuguese coach thanked the GFA, his technical staff, the players and Ghanaian supporters for their support during his time in charge. He ended his statement with a message that reflected the priorities he said guided his decision. “Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first.”
Queiroz’s departure leaves the GFA facing another coaching decision as Ghana prepares for the continuation of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
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