BREAKING: Carlos Queiroz is no longer the head coach of the Black Stars. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the 73-year-old Portuguese tactician have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, ending his second spell in charge after just one international window.
The decision, confirmed on Thursday, October 1, 2026, comes on the back of a disastrous start to Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Carlos Queiroz Leaves Black Stars as GFA Ends Contract [Background Video]
🇬🇭🗣️ Carlos Queiroz says he would be the first to step down if his resignation would genuinely help change the situation of Ghana football.
He added that the decision on his future should be made by the GFA board after assessing the situation. pic.twitter.com/tVRnohqlYP
— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) September 29, 2026
Two games, zero points
Ghana opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, before suffering a painful 4-2 loss to The Gambia, a game in which the Black Stars threw away a two-goal lead. The results leave Ghana without a point from their opening two qualifiers.
Days after the Gambia defeat, Queiroz had insisted he would not walk away. “When we have one result like this, the option to resign is the easiest solution,” he said, adding that “this defeat doesn’t make me a loser.” Less than 72 hours later, the parties agreed to part ways.
BREAKING: Carlos Queiroz Leaves Black Stars as GFA Terminates Contract [VIDEO]
Good riddance but so much more needs to happen to fix the Black Stars pic.twitter.com/t3uCz9zE3W
— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) October 1, 2026
What Queiroz said
In a farewell statement, Queiroz said the decision “was not easy” but was taken in the interest of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football.
“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 described his time in the job as “an honour to serve Ghana,” paid tribute to the players for representing the country “with courage, commitment, and pride,” and thanked the GFA President, his technical staff and the playing body. He also urged Ghanaians to keep backing the team, saying the squad has the talent and potential to succeed.
A short, turbulent reign
Queiroz was first appointed in April 2026, just 72 days before the FIFA World Cup, on a short-term deal. He guided Ghana into the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams before a 1-0 defeat to Colombia ended their tournament. His first mandate wrapped up after the World Cup, but the GFA brought him back on September 2, 2026, to lead the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
That second stint has now lasted less than a month.
What next for the Black Stars?
The GFA has not yet named a successor or an interim coach. With four AFCON 2027 qualifiers still to play, the next appointment will be crucial if Ghana are to revive their hopes of reaching the tournament.
Stay with GhanaTrends.com for updates as this story develops.
