Carlos Queiroz denies resigning as Ghana coach after World Cup exit

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has denied resigning from his post, insisting a much-discussed social media message was only intended as a thank-you note and not a formal departure.

The Portuguese manager moved to quash widespread speculation after reports in Ghana and abroad claimed he had stepped down in the wake of the Black Stars painful last16 elimination at the 2026 World Cup by Colombia, who won 1-0.

I have not resigned

Queiroz broke his silence during an unexpected exchange with an American football fan who confronted him over the rumours.

I have not resigned. I was just sending a thank-you message, the 73-year-old said, directly contradicting multiple media reports that had framed his words as a farewell.

The confusion followed an emotional post on his official Instagram account, published the day after Ghanas exit from the tournament. In it, the veteran coach expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaian supporters, his players and national football officials for their backing during what he described as a short World Cup journey.

That message, heavy with appreciation and coming so soon after the defeat to Colombia, was widely interpreted as a sign he was walking away from the role.

Emotional post misread as goodbye

Queirozs Instagram post did not explicitly state he was leaving, but its tone led several sports outlets in Ghana and internationally to report it as a de facto resignation.

The coach, who has previously led Real Madrid and briefly worked at Manchester United, has now firmly rejected that interpretation in his comments to the fan, stressing that no formal notice of resignation has been submitted to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

His position has been backed up by the countrys Minister of Sports, who has confirmed that no official communication of a departure has reached the government or the GFA.

Contract still in force

Queiroz remains under the short-term contract he signed in April, which was designed specifically to cover the build-up to, and participation in, the 2026 World Cup.

The agreement stipulates that his tenure must undergo a formal technical review before any decision is made on his longer-term future with the national side.

That evaluation process is expected to consider Ghanas overall performance at the tournament, the development of the squad during his brief reign, and the broader strategic direction of the Black Stars.

Future to be decided after review

For now, Queirozs clarification means he continues, at least on paper, as Ghanas national team coach, despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit and the speculation surrounding his position.

The GFA and the Sports Ministry will ultimately decide whether to extend his stay, replace him, or let the contract quietly expire once the agreed evaluation is complete.

Until then, Queirozs status remains unchanged and, he insists, very much not that of a coach who has resigned.