Carlos Queiroz has parted ways with Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, by mutual consent following a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the development on Thursday, October 1, 2026, bringing an end to the Portuguese tactician’s second spell in charge after consecutive defeats left Ghana without a point in their opening two Group C qualifying matches.
The separation came two days after the Black Stars suffered a 4–2 home defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, having previously lost 2–0 to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening qualifier. The results left Ghana at the bottom of Group C, increasing pressure on the coaching staff following the team’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
In a farewell statement, Queiroz confirmed that both parties had agreed to terminate the service agreement following discussions conducted in what he described as a spirit of mutual respect.
“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,” he said, adding that the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football remained paramount.
The 73-year-old also suggested that challenges beyond the team’s results contributed to the separation, saying the necessary conditions for building a stronger future for the Black Stars 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. 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 stated.
He did not specify the conditions he was referring to. Queiroz was initially appointed in April 2026 as a short-term replacement for Otto Addo, with a mandate to lead Ghana at the FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars advanced to the knockout stage after opening their campaign with a victory over Panama and securing a goalless draw against England, before losing to Croatia in their final group match. Their tournament ended with a 1–0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.
Following Ghana’s elimination, Queiroz announced his departure in a message of appreciation that was initially interpreted as a resignation. He subsequently clarified that he had not formally resigned, while Ghana’s sports minister also said the authorities had not received an official resignation letter.
The Portuguese coach was subsequently reappointed on September 2, 2026, after discussions with the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. His renewed mandate began with the September international window and Ghana’s opening AFCON qualifying fixtures. However, the defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia brought that second spell to an abrupt end.
Despite the disappointing results, Queiroz called on Ghanaian supporters to continue backing the national team, insisting that the squad possessed the talent and potential to achieve greater success. He thanked the GFA, particularly its president, his technical staff and the players for their support during his tenure.
“Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them,” he said, expressing confidence that the current generation could achieve great things with unity, support and the right environment.
He concluded his message with a declaration of commitment to the country and its football ambitions: “Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first.”
Queiroz’s departure leaves the GFA facing another decision over the technical direction of the senior national team as preparations continue for the remaining 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia in their next qualifying fixtures in November, with the association yet to announce a permanent replacement or confirm who will take charge in the interim.
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