The Ghana Football Association has parted ways with Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, bringing his latest spell with the national team to an abrupt end following a nightmare start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The decision was confirmed on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after discussions between the GFA and the experienced Portuguese coach. Although widely described as a dismissal, Queiroz said in his departure statement that both sides had mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
Queiroz’s position came under enormous pressure after Ghana suffered consecutive defeats in its opening two AFCON qualifiers.
The Black Stars lost to Côte d’Ivoire before suffering another damaging defeat against The Gambia, leaving Ghana at the bottom of its qualifying group and triggering widespread criticism from supporters.
The setback was particularly painful after the GFA had only recently handed Queiroz a new mandate. Ghana officially reappointed the former Real Madrid and Portugal coach in September after he guided the Black Stars to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But hopes of building momentum after the World Cup quickly faded.
Following Ghana’s 4-2 defeat to The Gambia, Queiroz publicly accepted responsibility for the result and apologized to supporters. At the time, however, he insisted that resigning alone would not solve the deeper challenges facing Ghana football.
In his farewell message, Queiroz thanked the GFA, his technical staff, the players and Ghanaian supporters while urging the country to continue believing in the current generation of Black Stars players.
He maintained that the squad possesses the talent and potential to achieve success if given the right environment and support.
Queiroz’s departure now leaves the Ghana FA facing another major coaching decision as the Black Stars attempt to rescue their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
For Ghanaian football, the question is no longer whether Queiroz can turn things around it is who will be trusted to revive the Black Stars next.
