GFA and Carlos Queiroz Part Ways by Mutual Agreement

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz have mutually agreed to terminate his contract following Ghana’s disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The decision was announced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, following discussions between the GFA and the Portuguese coach.

Queiroz’s departure comes after the Black Stars suffered consecutive defeats in their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifying matches. Ghana lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving the team without a point from its first two Group C matches.

In his farewell statement, Queiroz said the decision followed discussions conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and was made with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football in mind. He thanked the GFA, its President, his technical staff and the players for their support during his time in charge.

“It has been an honour to serve Ghana and the Black Stars,” Queiroz said, adding that he came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the national team and support the development of Ghanaian talent.

The Portuguese coach also urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the Black Stars players, stressing that the team has the talent and potential to achieve success with the right environment and support. “Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them,” he said.

Queiroz was initially appointed as Black Stars head coach in April 2026 on a short-term mandate covering Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The GFA subsequently reappointed him on September 2 to lead the team into the next phase of its programme, including the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. His second spell, however, lasted only a month after Ghana's poor start to the AFCON qualifying campaign.

Queiroz ended his message with a clear statement of allegiance to the country and its national team: “Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first.” The GFA is now expected to determine the next steps for the Black Stars as Ghana seeks to revive its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.