Carlos Queiroz will remain in charge of the Black Stars after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) reached an agreement with the experienced Portuguese for a new coaching mandate, bringing continuity to the national team after its encouraging run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
The decision, confirmed by the GFA on Wednesday, follows consultations between the football governing body and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. Queiroz, 73, will now turn his attention to Ghana’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
He faces an immediate test with a trip to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, followed by a home clash with The Gambia in Accra on September 29.
Queiroz’s new mandate comes just four months after he took charge of the Black Stars. Despite the short period, his tenure has earned significant backing, particularly after he guided Ghana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 16 years.
His original four-month contract, covering the World Cup, expired a few weeks ago. Rather than appointing another coach and starting the process again, the GFA has chosen to build on the progress made under Queiroz following discussions with the Sports Ministry.
“Following discussions with the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, it was agreed that Queiroz would embark on a new coaching mandate, commencing with the upcoming international window,” the GFA said.
According to the GFA, Queiroz’s wealth of international experience, technical knowledge and increasing understanding of the Black Stars make him the right figure to oversee the next stage of Ghana’s rebuilding efforts.
The association, however, did not disclose the length or financial details of the new agreement. This leaves open the question of whether Queiroz has received the longer-term mandate that some key figures had been pushing for.
Ayew’s call for Queiroz to stay
The decision to retain Queiroz comes after growing calls for stability following Ghana’s Round of 32 elimination from the World Cup.
While the defeat to Colombia in Kansas City ended the Black Stars’ campaign, the team’s overall showing strengthened the argument that the progress under Queiroz should be allowed to continue rather than being interrupted by another coaching change.
Captain Jordan Ayew was among the most vocal advocates for his retention.
Speaking immediately after the elimination, Ayew urged the GFA to keep the Portuguese coach, warning that parting ways after only four months could derail the rebuilding process.
“I want Carlos Queiroz to stay. I believe he is the right man to take us to the next level,” Ayew said after the defeat.
“He’s done a great job. To come and achieve what he’s done in this short time says a lot. I hope he stays.”
His comments represented a significant endorsement from the Black Stars captain and reflected the growing belief within the team that Queiroz should be given more time to build on the foundation established during his first four months.
