The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have extended the recruitment process for the next Black Stars head coach, with the application deadline now moved to October 15, 2026, as the search committee seeks a wider pool of candidates.
The decision means Ghana will not appoint a permanent successor to Carlos Queiroz within the initial timeframe, with the five-member committee expected to continue evaluating applicants and submit its final recommendation after further assessments in October and November.
The committee, chaired by former GFA Vice-President Fred Pappoe, was initially expected to submit its report by Friday, October 9, following its formation on October 2.
However, the authorities have opted for a more comprehensive recruitment process upon the recommendation of the Black Stars Coach Search Committee, with an interim technical team expected to take charge of the Black Stars during the November international window.
“To ensure that the widest possible pool of suitably qualified candidates is available for consideration, the application deadline for the position of Black Stars Head Coach has been extended to 15th October 2026. This extension will allow additional time for interested candidates to submit their applications and for the Committee to undertake a comprehensive evaluation process.”
Ghana Football Association Statement
Also the GFA, the Ministry and the search committee explained that the extension followed a recommendation for a more structured recruitment exercise, stressing that the appointment should serve the long-term interests of the national team rather than be treated as a routine hiring process.
The statement said the objective was to establish “a stronger football identity, reinforce high-performance standards, and create a sustainable foundation for future success.”
The revised timeline comes at a difficult moment for Ghana, who are seeking to recover from a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign following consecutive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Extension a Crucial Step Towards Right Appointment
The authorities have extended the deadline for interested coaches to submit their applications and curricula vitae by October 15, allowing the committee additional time to attract and consider suitably qualified candidates.
The extension forms part of a broader effort to ensure that the eventual appointment meets the technical and leadership requirements of the senior national team.
According to the GFA, the committee recommended that the evaluation, interviewing and shortlisting of candidates should continue throughout October and November, with its final recommendation to follow thereafter.
The committee is expected to conduct background checks, consult relevant football stakeholders and assess applicants against technical, leadership, cultural and high-performance criteria.
The statement emphasised that the intention was to identify not merely the most qualified coach on paper, but the candidate best suited to direct the future of Ghana football.
The five-member committee comprises Fred Pappoe as chairman, Professional Footballers Association of Ghana General Secretary Anthony Baffoe, legal practitioner and football administrator Agbesi Dzakpasu, former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah and high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah.
Regragui, Faé and Thiaw Among Names Linked
Several coaches have been linked with the vacant position as speculation grows over who will lead the Black Stars into their next phase.
Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has emerged among the reported candidates following his success with the Atlas Lions, whom he guided to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
But, neither the GFA nor the Ministry has officially confirmed negotiations with him.
Emerse Faé, who guided Côte d’Ivoire to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil, has also been linked with the position following his sack as the head coach of The Elephants after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His achievement with the Elephants has made him one of the prominent African coaches mentioned in reports surrounding Ghana’s search.
Former Senegal coaches Aliou Cissé and Pape Thiaw have also featured in discussions about potential candidates.
However, the authorities have not officially confirmed any of the reported names as their preferred choice. The search committee is expected to assess the available options before making its recommendation.
The extended process could provide the panel with more time to evaluate each candidate’s experience, coaching philosophy and capacity to rebuild a team that has struggled to meet expectations in recent months.
Interim Technical Team to Handle November Fixtures
While the search for a permanent coach continues, the GFA and the Ministry have confirmed plans to appoint an interim technical team to oversee the Black Stars during the November international window.
The temporary arrangement is intended to ensure that the team continues preparing for its competitive assignments without forcing the authorities to rush the permanent appointment.
The interim team will be responsible for preparing and managing the squad for the November matches, monitoring players, maintaining contact with potential selections and facilitating a smooth transition when a substantive head coach is appointed.
Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia in a double-header during the November window as their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON continues.
The defeats to Cotê d’Ivoire and The Gambia have left Ghana without a point, trailing both by six points, with four qualifying matches remaining. The November double-header therefore presents an important opportunity to revive their campaign.
GFA Calls for Patience as Rebuilding Process Continues
The latest announcement also reflects the wider discussions between the GFA and the Sports Ministry following the departure of Queiroz and growing concerns about the management of Ghana’s national teams.
The two institutions have been working towards reforms covering technical management, youth development and cooperation between government and the football association. The appointment of a new head coach is expected to form a central part of those efforts.
The leadership of the GFA and the Sports Ministry have appealed to supporters, former players, football stakeholders and the media to exercise patience and offer constructive support throughout the process.
The authorities stressed that their objective extends beyond filling the vacant coaching position, insisting that the recruitment should contribute to stronger structures and sustained success at continental and global levels.
For Ghana, the challenge will be to balance the need for a thorough recruitment process with the urgency of the November qualifiers.
With the application deadline now extended to October 15 and the evaluation process continuing into November, the immediate responsibility falls on the interim technical team to prepare the Black Stars while the search committee works towards identifying a permanent successor to Queiroz.
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