Ghana retain Carlos Queiroz ahead of 2027 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON qualifiers
Ghana have retained Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, handing the experienced Portuguese a new mandate ahead of the start of qualifying for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the decision following discussions with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, bringing an end to uncertainty over the 73-year-old's future after his initial short-term contract expired following the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Queiroz, who took charge in April, guided Ghana to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010 before the Black Stars were eliminated 1-0 by Colombia in the Round of 32.
He appeared to signal his departure shortly afterwards, but the GFA has now opted for continuity as Ghana prepare for another major qualifying campaign.
“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.
The duration and financial terms of the new agreement have not been disclosed.
“The GFA believes Queiroz’s extensive international experience, technical expertise and knowledge of the Black Stars position him strongly to lead the team into this next chapter,” the association added.
Queiroz said continuing with Ghana was a source of “immense pride and honour”.
“Serving Ghana is far more than coaching a football team,” he wrote on Instagram.
“It is a privilege, a responsibility and a mission to honour one of Africa's greatest football nations and its incredible and passionate football people.
“Our ambition is clear: improve every day, unite the nation, make Ghana stronger and fight for every victory with passion, humility and pride. The mission continues.”
Calls for continuity
The decision follows strong public backing for Queiroz from key figures following Ghana's World Cup campaign.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew was among the most vocal supporters of retaining the former Portugal and Iran coach, arguing that another managerial change would risk disrupting the progress made during his brief spell.
“I want Carlos Queiroz to stay. I believe he is the right man to take us to the next level,” Ayew said following Ghana's World Cup defeat by Colombia.
“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.”
Queiroz had only a limited period to prepare Ghana for the World Cup after replacing Otto Addo, but the Black Stars emerged from the tournament with renewed confidence after progressing beyond the group stage.
Ghana President John Dramani Mahama had also publicly backed a longer-term project under Queiroz.
Speaking few weeks after the World Cup in July, Mahama said retaining both the coach and the core of the current squad could give Ghana the stability required to challenge for major honours.
“I’m sure that if we keep this team, and we persuade the coach Carlos Queiroz to continue to work with the team, by the time of the next AFCON and the next World Cup, we’ll have a team that can claim the championship in either of those two competitions,” Mahama was quoted as saying on African.Football.
Afcon challenge next
Queiroz's immediate focus will now be qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana have been drawn in Group C alongside defending African champions Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia, with the Black Stars due to begin their campaign away to the Ivorians in Bouaké later this month before hosting The Gambia in Accra.
The qualifiers carry added significance for Ghana after the four-time African champions failed to qualify for the previous Afcon in Morocco.
Queiroz brings extensive international experience to the task.
He has previously coached Portugal, Iran, Egypt, Colombia, South Africa and Qatar, while also serving two spells as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
The Mozambique-born coach has featured at several World Cups and major continental tournaments during a long managerial career.
For Ghana, however, the immediate objective is clear: turn the signs of progress shown at the 2026 World Cup into consistent results and secure a return to Africa's biggest football tournament.