Ghana Part Ways With Coach Carlos Queiroz After World Cup Exit

Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as Ghana head coach after the Black Stars went out in the World Cup round of 32. The 73-year-old leaves following a 1-0 defeat against Colombia, a match in which Ghana failed to register a shot on target.

Queiroz had been appointed in April, taking charge only months before the tournament. The Portuguese coach became just the second manager after Bora Milutinovic to appear at five consecutive World Cups, adding Ghana to previous campaigns with Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Under Queiroz, Ghana produced the country’s strongest World Cup run since the 2010 quarter-final appearance in South Africa, 16 years earlier. The side advanced from Group L as one of the best third-placed teams, relying on solid defence and narrow margins in a tight group.

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Progress to the knockout phase came after a 1-0 victory over Panama and a goalless draw against England. Those four points, combined with results elsewhere, allowed the Black Stars to squeeze through, earning a last-32 tie with Colombia that ultimately ended their campaign.

Queiroz confirmed the decision on social media on Sunday and urged the Ghana Football Association to build on the platform created. The coach wrote that football, like daily life, is a process of learning from setbacks as well as from victories during major tournaments.

In the post, Queiroz reflected on mixed emotions, expressing pride in what the players produced while accepting that more had been targeted. The message called for ambitions to rise further and described this tournament as a starting point rather than a final destination.

Queiroz stressed that Ghana’s progress depends on work beyond the pitch, including better structures to support, protect and develop what Queiroz described as exceptional national talent. Addressing supporters, Queiroz accepted that complete satisfaction was not possible, yet argued the squad defended Ghana’s colours and regained respect for the Black Stars on the World Cup stage.