Carlos Queiroz has announced his departure as head coach of the Black Stars, bringing an end to his brief but transformative tenure following Ghana's Round of 32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a farewell message posted on his official Facebook page, the Portuguese coach, who was on a four-month contract which runs out at the end of July, reflected on a campaign that saw Ghana reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, before falling 1-0 to Colombia in Kansas City.
"Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson: you either win or you learn," Queiroz wrote. "I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more."
The 73-year-old, who was appointed in April with just 72 days before the tournament, managed Ghana in five matches, recording one win, two draws and two defeats. His side finished the tournament with one win, one draw and two defeats, scoring just two goals while conceding three across four matches.
Despite entering the competition without several key players, including Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku through injury, Ghana produced a disciplined campaign under Queiroz. After opening with a victory over Panama, the Black Stars earned a goalless draw against England before narrowly losing 2-1 to Croatia. The four points secured were enough to see them progress to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, their lack of firepower proved costly against Colombia. Ghana failed to register a single shot on target as Jhon Arias's first-half strike settled the contest. The Black Stars managed just four shots on target across their entire tournament, the lowest of any team at the World Cup.
Contract
Before the Black Stars' final Group L game against Croatia, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, hinted that Ghana could extend Carlos Queiroz's contract but insisted that any discussions about his future would only take place after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a separate interview, the minister disclosed that the coach was on a short-term, performance-related contract covering the World Cup, which would be reviewed after the tournament.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Mr Adams, who heads the Ministry which pays the coach's wages, acknowledged the public support for Queiroz but stressed that the immediate focus remained on the World Cup.
"Well, surely it's something that we will be looking at, and if you listen to many persons across the country, even before the ministry spoke or even the FA said anything, Ghanaians are already giving the indication that we should keep him for some time.
"But let's finish this project. We have the World Cup project ahead of us.
"Let's finish this and like we said before we came here, that when we finish this project, we can then make decisions about the future of anybody."
Farewell call
Queiroz used his farewell message to call for a fundamental shift in how Ghanaian football is run, arguing that lasting success must be built off the pitch as much as on it.
"The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch," he said. "Black Stars success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana's extraordinary football talent."
He thanked the Ghana Football Association, his players and staff, and the fans for their support throughout his brief tenure.
"To the fans, we cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we honoured the colours of Ghana and restored respect and credibility to the Black Stars on football's greatest stage," he wrote. "Thank you, Ghana. The journey starts now. To the future."
Queiroz's departure leaves the GFA searching for a new head coach ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. French coach Hervé Renard is considered the favourite to take over the role.
Below is the entire Facebook post;
Carlos Queiroz
To Ghana,
Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson: you either win or you learn.
I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more. Reaching a higher level should never be the destination—it should be the beginning of even greater ambitions.
The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch.
Black Stars Success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana’s extraordinary football talent.
To my President and Board, thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the Ghana National Football Team. It was an honor and privilege to serve the Country and the Black Stars.
To my players and staff, my deepest gratitude for your courage, commitment and unwavering dedication to the team.
To the fans, we cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we honoured the colours of Ghana and restored respect and credibility to the Black Stars on football’s greatest stage.
Thank you, Ghana. The journey starts now.
To the future. 🇬🇭
