The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Black Stars Coach Search Committee, has extended the deadline for applications for the position of Black Stars Head Coach to October 15, 2026.
The extension, announced in a statement on Sunday, October 11, 2026, is intended to ensure that the widest possible pool of suitably qualified candidates is available for consideration. The committee said the additional time would allow interested candidates to submit their applications and enable it to undertake a comprehensive evaluation process.
The association said the committee, following its inaugural engagements and a preliminary review, had recommended a structured and enhanced recruitment process to ensure that the appointment of the next Head Coach aligns with the long-term interests of the Black Stars and Ghana football. It said the recommendation was guided by the principle that the appointment of a Head Coach should not be viewed solely as a recruitment exercise, but as an opportunity to establish a stronger football identity, reinforce high-performance standards and create a sustainable foundation for future success.
The committee recommended that the process of evaluating, interviewing and shortlisting candidates should continue through October and November 2026, with a final recommendation to be submitted thereafter. The approach, it said, would allow it to conduct a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, undertake thorough due diligence and background assessments, engage key football stakeholders and technical experts, assess candidates against agreed technical, leadership, cultural and high-performance criteria, and ensure that the successful candidate possesses both the capability and vision required to lead the Black Stars into a new era.
The association said the objective was to identify, not simply the most qualified coach on paper, but the individual best suited to lead the future direction of Ghana football.
To ensure continuity and adequate preparation for the upcoming November international fixtures, the association said an Interim Technical Team would be appointed to oversee the Black Stars during the November international window. The interim team will be responsible for preparing and managing the team for the November matches, maintaining continuity within the national team programme, supporting player monitoring and engagement activities, and facilitating a smooth transition to the permanent Head Coach upon appointment.
The association said the arrangement would allow the committee to conduct a rigorous recruitment process without compromising the team's immediate competitive responsibilities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a process that is transparent, professional and in the best interests of Ghana football, stating that the goal was not merely to appoint a Head Coach, but to strengthen the structures, culture and environment necessary to support sustained success at both continental and global level.
The association called on Ghanaians, supporters of the Black Stars, former players, football stakeholders and the media to support the process with patience, unity and constructive engagement, describing the Black Stars as one of Ghana's most important national symbols whose future success would require the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
The coaching position became vacant on Thursday, October 1, 2026, following the resignation of Portuguese trainer Carlos Queiroz after the September international window.
The five-member Search Committee is chaired by former Vice-President of the Ghana Football Association, Mr Fred Pappoe. Other members are Mr Anthony Baffoe, General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana and a former Ghana international; Mr Agbesi Dzakpasu, a legal practitioner and football administrator; Mr Stephen Appiah, former Black Stars captain; and Mr Faisal Chibsah, a high-performance specialist. The committee is mandated to identify, evaluate and recommend a suitable candidate for the vacant role, and is expected to submit its report to the association.
Interested applicants are to forward their applications and curricula vitae to
