Carlos Queiroz leaves Ghana after disastrous start to AFCON 2027 qualifying
Two games and two defeats at the start of AFCON 2027 qualifying ultimately defined Carlos Queiroz's short spell with Ghana. The Portuguese coach leaves after just seven matches and four consecutive losses.
Carlos Queiroz stepped down as Ghana head coach on Thursday after mutually agreeing with the country's football federation to terminate his contract.
The Portuguese coach had taken charge on April 13, but his spell with the Black Stars ended after just seven matches.
Recent results proved decisive. Ghana had suffered four consecutive defeats and made the worst possible start to its road to AFCON 2027.
Two defeats put Ghana under early AFCON 2027 pressure
The beginning of qualifying increased the pressure on Queiroz's project.
Ghana opened its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast.
There was no response in the following match.
The Black Stars suffered another loss, this time falling 4-2 to Gambia, leaving them without a point after their opening two qualifiers.
Those results extended Ghana's losing streak to four consecutive matches and preceded the decision to end Queiroz's tenure.
Queiroz admits recent results played a role
The coach acknowledged that Ghana's recent performances influenced the decision.
“It was not an easy decision, but both parties agreed that, given the current circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate step, putting the interests of the country, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else,” Queiroz said through the Ghana Football Federation's official website.
He also acknowledged that his project never developed under the conditions he had hoped for.
“I arrived in Ghana with the firm intention of contributing to a stronger future for the Black Stars and supporting the development of the country's talent. Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions did not materialize, and our recent performance influenced the decision to bring this chapter to an end. I leave with respect, gratitude and pride.”
From the 2026 World Cup to four straight defeats
Queiroz led Ghana at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Black Stars reached the Round of 32, where they were eliminated following a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
The project was unable to regain momentum in the months that followed.
Four consecutive defeats, including two losses to begin AFCON 2027 qualifying, have now left Ghana searching for a new head coach.
Queiroz leaves with a message for Ghana's players
Despite his departure, Queiroz urged supporters to continue backing the current generation.
“Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them. The talent and potential are there. With unity, support and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana.”
He also thanked Black Stars supporters for their backing during his brief tenure.
“To the Ghanaian people and all Black Stars supporters, thank you for your passion, support and warmth. I will always carry Ghana with me with respect and affection.”
Another international chapter closes for Queiroz
Ghana represented another stop in Queiroz's extensive career in international football.
He had previously coached Portugal, Iran, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar and Oman, including two separate spells with Iran.
After only seven games with the Black Stars, another chapter in Queiroz's international career has come to an end.
Why did Queiroz's Ghana spell end?
- Ghana lost its opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers, falling 2-0 to Ivory Coast and 4-2 to Gambia.
- Queiroz leaves after just seven matches and four consecutive defeats with the Black Stars.
- The Portuguese coach acknowledged that recent results influenced the mutual decision to terminate his contract.
