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SportsCarlos Queiroz leaves Ghana coach role after World Cup round-of-32 exit
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Carlos Queiroz has left his position as Ghana head coach following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the round-of-32 stage. Ghana lost 1-0 to Colombia, ending their tournament run. Queiroz, 73, had been appointed in April to oversee the World Cup after predecessor Otto Addo was sacked. Ghana won their opening group match 1-0 against Panama, drew 0-0 with England, and lost 2-1 to Croatia, finishing third in Group L on four points. They advanced as one of the best third-place teams before being eliminated. Queiroz, a former Real Madrid head coach and longtime Manchester United assistant, had previously managed Iran at three World Cups. He posted on social media that he leaves with pride but also 'healthy dissatisfaction.' The Ghana Football Association has not yet confirmed his departure.
Source report
By Colin Millar
Carlos Queiroz has announced he is leaving his role as Ghana head coach following the nation's exit from the World Cup.
Ghana were eliminated at the round-of-32 stage after a 1–0 defeat by Colombia, prompting the 73-year-old to step down after less than three months in charge. The Ghana Football Association has yet to confirm Queiroz's departure.
Queiroz was appointed in April to oversee the tournament after his predecessor, Otto Addo, was sacked. The former Real Madrid head coach had previously managed Iran at each of the last three World Cup finals, and led Portugal to the round of 16 in the 2010 edition.
In a post on social media, Queiroz said:
"Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson: you either win or you learn.
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"I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more. Reaching a higher level should never be the destination—it should be the beginning of even greater ambitions.
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"The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch.
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"Black Stars success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana's extraordinary football talent."
Tournament Performance
Ghana's World Cup campaign included:
- Group stage win: 1–0 against Panama, with a stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi
- Goalless draw: 0–0 against England
- Defeat: 2–1 loss to Croatia
Ghana finished third in Group L with four points, advancing to the knockout stage as one of the best eight third-placed sides. They were eliminated by Colombia on Friday.
Background
Before Queiroz's arrival, Ghana had lost each of their previous four matches, including friendly defeats to Austria (5–1) and Germany (2–1). The team also missed out on qualification for this winter's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Queiroz's highest-profile role was as Real Madrid head coach in 2003–04, between two stints as assistant coach at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. During his time at United, the club won three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.
Ghana was Queiroz's ninth international side. He has also coached South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Egypt, and most recently Qatar and Oman, whom he left in March.
Further reading: Ghana are the African superpower inexorably drawn to chaos — Systemic failings and coaching turmoil have turned the Black Stars into underachievers on the international stage
Source
Soccer - The AthleticWestern
Part of this Story
Carlos Queiroz Leaves Ghana After 2026 World Cup Last-32 Loss to Colombia