Carlos Queiroz leaves Ghana after difficult start to 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Carlos Queiroz has left his role as Ghana manager after just 27 days in charge, following a troubled start to the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Portuguese coach returned to the Ghana job on 2 September 2026 but decided to step down after the team lost both of its opening matches in Group C. Ghana began with a 2-0 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire before suffering another setback at home against The Gambia.

The second loss, a 4-2 defeat on Tuesday, 29 September, intensified the uncertainty surrounding Queiroz. With no points from their first two games, Ghana are bottom of the group, leaving the manager’s position increasingly vulnerable.

Growing pressure from supporters

The result against The Gambia also increased public criticism of Queiroz. Many Ghana supporters, unhappy with the team’s performances, openly called for the coach to leave.

Comments made by Queiroz added to the controversy. In an attempt to put the possible consequences of Ghana failing to qualify into perspective, he referred to Italy’s absence from several recent editions of the World Cup.

That comparison was poorly received by supporters, particularly at a time when frustration was already growing over the team’s results and performances.

Concerns over the working environment

Queiroz’s decision was also influenced by concerns beyond the results on the pitch. The Portuguese believed that the conditions required to develop his plans with the national team were not in place.

Issues involving infrastructure, support for young players and the organisation surrounding the team were among the matters weighing on his position. The large number of injuries affecting the squad was also considered a significant difficulty.

Queiroz did not feel he had sufficient guarantees to build his project over the long term. Combined with Ghana’s disastrous beginning to qualifying and the increasingly hostile reaction from supporters, those concerns contributed to his decision to end his brief second spell with the Black Stars.