Carlos Queiroz stepped down as Ghana head coach on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after the Black Stars were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the round of 32.
The 73-year-old Portuguese manager had been in charge for less than three months, having been appointed by the Ghana Football Association on April 13, 2026, to replace Otto Addo.
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Ghana lost 1-0 to Colombia in the knockout stage on Friday, ending their World Cup run.
The team finished third in Group L with four points: a 1-0 win over Panama, a goalless draw with England, and a 2-1 defeat to Croatia.
They advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a pre-tournament stretch of four consecutive losses, including defeats to Austria and Germany.
Queiroz Reflects on Tenure
In a social media statement, Queiroz said: "Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson: you either win or you learn."
The former Real Madrid manager added: "I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more.
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Reaching a higher level should never be the destination—it should be the beginning of even greater ambitions."
He stressed that the team's future requires structural changes beyond the pitch. "The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch," he said.
Queiroz concluded: "Black Stars success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana’s extraordinary football talent."
The Ghana Football Association has yet to officially confirm his departure.
Queiroz, who managed at his fifth consecutive World Cup, previously led Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
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His career includes nine international head coaching roles with Portugal, South Africa, the UAE, Colombia, Egypt, Iran, Qatar, and Oman.
