The veteran Portuguese manager leaves after guiding the Black Stars to the knockout stage, urging Ghana to strengthen its football structures beyond the pitch.
Accra, Ghana (Running Africa) — Carlos Queiroz has resigned as head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars following the team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his tenure just three months after taking charge.
The 73-year-old Portuguese coach was appointed in April 2026 with the immediate objective of guiding Ghana through football’s biggest tournament. Under his leadership, the Black Stars reached the Round of 32, where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, bringing their World Cup journey to an end.
Ghana finished third in Group L after securing a victory over Panama, holding England to a goalless draw and falling to Croatia during the group stage. Although the Black Stars scored just two goals in four matches, Queiroz received widespread praise for rapidly transforming the team’s defensive structure and tactical organisation in a limited preparation period.
Announcing his departure on social media, Queiroz thanked the players, coaching staff and Ghanaian supporters for their commitment throughout the campaign, saying the team had helped restore Ghana’s reputation on the global stage.
He also stressed that sustained success for Ghanaian football would depend on long-term investment beyond the pitch.
“Success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana’s extraordinary football talent,” Queiroz wrote.
Queiroz leaves Ghana with one of the most accomplished international coaching résumés in world football. Throughout his career, he has managed national teams at five consecutive FIFA World Cups, including Portugal, Iran, Egypt, and most recently Ghana, earning a reputation as one of the game’s most experienced tournament coaches.
His departure leaves the Ghana Football Association (GFA) searching for a new head coach ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in September.
The appointment of Queiroz’s successor is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Black Stars’ next chapter as Ghana seeks to build on the defensive resilience shown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup while strengthening its attacking output ahead of future continental and global competitions.
