Ghana and Carlos Queiroz have mutually agreed to end their relationship after a second spell that lasted barely a month, following back-to-back defeats that left the Black Stars pointless and bottom of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group.
The Ghana Football Association published Queiroz’s statement on 1 October 2026 confirming the termination of his service agreement. The Portuguese coach, 73, had been reappointed only in early September—announced on 3 September—to lead the side into the new AFCON cycle after an earlier, short-term mandate that took Ghana to the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. The latest chapter therefore covered roughly 28–29 days and two competitive matches, both lost.
The second appointment
Queiroz first took charge in April 2026 as an emergency replacement for Otto Addo, on a four-month deal covering the World Cup. Ghana, who had been on a poor run, beat Panama, drew 0-0 with England and lost to Croatia to finish third in Group L and advance as one of the best third-placed teams—their first knockout appearance since 2010. They then lost 1-0 to Colombia in Kansas City. Queiroz posted an emotional farewell shortly afterwards, praising the restoration of “respect and credibility” while warning that “success must start off the field” by creating the right environment for Ghana’s talent. The GFA initially indicated it had received no formal resignation, but the short contract effectively ended.
Less than two months later the association brought him back. A GFA statement said discussions with the federation and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation had produced a new mandate beginning with the September international window. It cited his international experience, technical knowledge and familiarity with the squad. Queiroz responded that serving Ghana was “a privilege, a responsibility and a mission,” adding: “The mission continues.”
The qualifying collapse
Group C also contains Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia. Top two qualify directly.
On 24 September in Bouaké, Ghana lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire. Malick Yalcouyé scored just before half-time; Franck Kessié converted a second-half penalty. Queiroz, working with several absentees and debutants including Brandon Thomas-Asante, said afterwards he was “very proud” of the fight shown and insisted the reverse could be corrected in the return fixture.
Five days later, at the Accra Sports Stadium, the situation deteriorated sharply. Ghana led 2-0 through an Ernest Nuamah penalty (27th minute) and a Felix Afena-Gyan free-kick (33rd). The Gambia equalised before the break via a Mohammed Badamosi penalty and an Omar Colley goal, then completed a 4-2 comeback with further goals from Ebrima Colley and Omar Colley (the latter in stoppage time). Supporters threw bottles late on. The result left Ghana with zero points and six goals conceded from two games, while Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia sat on three points each.
In the post-match press conference Queiroz apologised repeatedly, took sole responsibility, and described the two early concessions as morale-killers. He also highlighted squad disruption: he claimed roughly two dozen senior players were unavailable through injury or other reasons, forcing constant changes, and noted that opponents had fielded stronger available squads. “Whether we have the conditions or not, that is something different,” he said. He rejected the idea that resignation alone would fix deeper problems, while stating the decision ultimately rested with the federation.
The parting
Two days later the split was confirmed by mutual consent. Queiroz’s statement, carried on the GFA website, read in part:
“Following discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect, the Ghana Football Association and I have mutually agreed to terminate the Service Agreement governing my role as Head Coach of the Ghana National Team, the Black Stars.
“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, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else.
“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.”
He thanked the GFA president, his staff and the players, urged supporters to “believe in these players, protect them, support them,” and closed with “Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first.”
Ghana remain in the group with four matches still to play (including return fixtures and games against Somalia). Qualification is mathematically open, but the side is already six points off the pace of the leaders after only two rounds and now has no permanent head coach for the next window. The GFA has not yet named an interim or permanent successor.
Queiroz leaves with a long résumé that includes spells at Real Madrid, two assistant roles under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and World Cup campaigns with Portugal (2010), Iran (2014, 2018, 2022) and Ghana (2026)—five consecutive tournaments as a head coach.