What changed
2026-07-31 12:33 UTC → 2026-08-10 09:34 UTC ·
added
removed
Uncertainty for Ghana backs Queiroz, Ati‑Zigi praises coach Queiroz after World Cup exit
After Following a period of poor results in warm-up friendlies, including losses to Austria, Germany, and Mexico, Carlos Queiroz was appointed head coach of the Black Stars’ 1‑0 loss Stars on a short-term deal to Colombia in lead Ghana through the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32, Cup. During the tournament, Ghana Football Association (GFA) advanced from Group L with a win over Panama, a draw against England, and the Ministry of Sports confirmed a two‑year extension for head coach Carlos Queiroz in mid‑July. The move aimed loss to end the 45‑year AFCON title drought and steer the team through the 2027 qualifiers. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati‑Zigi, highlighted as the tournament’s second‑best Croatia. Their campaign ended in goals‑prevented (2.35), continued the Round of 32 with a 1-0 defeat to back Colombia. Queiroz, calling him who achieved a “great coach” and urging the federation to retain him beyond the end‑July contract deadline. His form attracted interest from European clubs. On 31 July, the GFA Executive Council met to review Queiroz’s technical report on the milestone of coaching five consecutive World Cup performance – a round‑of‑32 finish, Ghana’s best since 2010 – and to decide Cups, announced his future ahead of qualifying matches against Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia. resignation shortly after the exit, citing a desire for more structural reform in Ghanaian football. Despite the exit, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed support and Sports Minister Kofi Adams advocated for continuity, while rumors of Queiroz's continuity to build toward the 2027 AFCON. While initial reports suggested a resignation were dismissed by Queiroz as gratitude‑focused social‑media posting. The federation two-year extension was agreed upon to end the nation's 45-year AFCON drought, recent developments indicate the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is expected unlikely to announce whether proceed. Negotiations have reportedly been hindered by the extension proceeds, keeping Ghana’s campaign stable coach's demands, and the GFA is now considering other candidates as Morocco remains the sole African nation still in team prepares for upcoming AFCON qualifiers. The post-tournament period has also seen scrutiny of the World Cup. GFA's leadership and systemic issues, including captaincy controversies and youth development concerns.