Carlos Queiroz poised to lead Ghana into 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Ghana are reportedly set to retain Carlos Queiroz as head coach for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Cote d’Ivoire and Somalia, meaning the Portuguese could be in charge of the Black Stars after coaching at the 2026 World Cup.

The future of the 73-year-old had appeared uncertain following Ghana’s elimination from the World Cup in the last 32. The Black Stars lost 1-0 to Colombia, and Queiroz later published a message on social media that was widely interpreted as an announcement of his resignation.

He subsequently denied that he had stepped down, while indicating that he was willing to negotiate with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over his position. Those discussions now appear to have produced an agreement, according to Micky Jnr.

Queiroz is reportedly preparing to announce his next Ghana squad shortly. If confirmed, he will oversee the team’s start to the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Ghana drawn in Group C alongside Cote d’Ivoire and Somalia.

Cote d’Ivoire will begin a new international cycle under Herve Renard at the end of this month. Renard returned to the position of head coach of the Elephants one month ago and is expected to lead them into their first two qualifying fixtures.

The Ivorians will host Ghana in Abidjan before facing Somalia at a venue that has yet to be confirmed. The matches will represent the opening two rounds of qualification for the continental tournament.

The two West African sides have met only once in the past five years. That encounter took place on 12 June 2021 in a friendly at Cape Coast in Ghana, where the teams played out a goalless draw.

Following their matches against Ghana and Somalia, Cote d’Ivoire will face Cameroon in a high-profile friendly on 3 October. The game will be staged at the Stade Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpe in Abidjan.

That fixture is currently the only exhibition match scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire during the extended international window, which runs from 21 September to 6 October. Alongside the meeting with Cameroon, the Elephants will also have their two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches to negotiate during that period.

For Ghana, the expected continuation of Queiroz’s tenure would provide some stability after the uncertainty that followed the World Cup exit. His experience of having worked at the 2026 World Cup would also mean the Black Stars could enter the qualifying campaign with a coach who has recently managed at the highest international level.

However, his continuation remains reported rather than formally confirmed, with the next major indication likely to come when Ghana’s new squad is announced.