Accra, Ghana — October 1, 2026: Carlos Queiroz has left his position as head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars after the Portuguese coach and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
The decision follows a meeting between Queiroz and the GFA after Ghana’s difficult start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering another setback at home, losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.
The two defeats left Ghana without a point from their opening two AFCON qualifying matches and increased pressure on Queiroz’s position.
Queiroz was appointed to lead the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and took charge of Ghana during the tournament. His World Cup record stood at one win, two draws and two defeats from five matches, with Ghana advancing from the group stage before being eliminated by Colombia in the Round of 32.
Following the World Cup campaign, Queiroz continued in charge as Ghana began preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. However, defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia meant his overall record in his latest spell with the Black Stars ended at seven matches, one win, two draws and four defeats.
Queiroz accepted responsibility for the 4-2 defeat to The Gambia, apologising to Ghanaian supporters after the Black Stars surrendered a two-goal lead. Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan had given Ghana a 2-0 advantage before The Gambia fought back to score four goals.
A day before his departure, Queiroz had said he would not voluntarily resign, arguing that leaving his post would not by itself solve Ghana’s wider football problems. He said the decision over his future rested with the GFA.
His departure brings a brief and turbulent chapter in the Black Stars’ dugout to an end.
Carlos Queiroz’s Black Stars record
– Appointed: April 4, 2026
– Departed: October 1, 2026
– Matches: 7
– Wins: 1
– Draws: 2
– Defeats: 4
– World Cup record: 1 win, 2 draws, 2 defeats.
– 2027 AFCON qualifiers: 2 defeats
– Final AFCON results: Côte d’Ivoire 2-0 Ghana; Ghana 2-4 The Gambia
The GFA will now have to determine the next course of action for the Black Stars as Ghana attempts to revive its 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.