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SportsCarlos Queiroz leaves role as Ghana head coach
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Carlos Queiroz has left his role as Ghana head coach following the nation's 1-0 World Cup round-of-32 defeat to Colombia on July 5, 2026. The 73-year-old Portuguese coach had been appointed in April to oversee the tournament, replacing Otto Addo. Ghana advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-place finishers after a group stage that included a win over Panama, a draw with England, and a loss to Croatia. Queiroz, who previously managed Iran at three World Cups and Portugal at the 2010 tournament, announced his departure on social media, stating that 'you either win or you learn.' The Ghana Football Association has not yet confirmed his exit. This was Queiroz's ninth international coaching role, having also coached South Africa, UAE, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar, and Oman.
Source report
Queiroz had been appointed Ghana coach in May to oversee the tournament. Juan Mabromata / AFP via Getty Images
By Colin Millar July 5, 2026 | Updated | Share article: 10
Carlos Queiroz has said he has left his role as Ghana head coach following the nation's World Cup exit.
Ghana were eliminated at the round-of-32 stage after a 1-0 defeat by Colombia, leading the 73-year-old to leave the position after less than three months in charge.
The Ghana Football Association is yet to confirm Queiroz's departure.
Appointment and Background
Queiroz had been appointed in April to oversee the tournament after his predecessor Otto Addo was sacked.
Previously, the former Real Madrid head coach had managed Iran at each of the last three World Cup finals, having taken Portugal to the last-16 stage of the 2010 edition.
Queiroz's Statement
"Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson: you either win or you learn," Queiroz posted on social media.
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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."
World Cup Performance
Ghana's tournament results:
- Group stage: Won 1-0 against Panama (stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi)
- Group stage: 0-0 draw against England
- Group stage: 2-1 defeat to Croatia
- Knockout stage: Eliminated by Colombia (1-0 defeat)
Ghana finished third in Group L on four points, advancing to the knockout stage as one of the best eight third-place sides.
Pre-Tournament Context
Prior to Queiroz's arrival, Ghana had lost each of their previous four matches, including:
- Friendly loss to Austria (5-1)
- Friendly loss to Germany (2-1)
The team had also missed out on qualification for this winter's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Career Highlights
Queiroz's highest-profile job was as Real Madrid head coach in 2003–04, between two stints as assistant coach at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, during which the club won three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.
Ghana was his ninth international side to coach. He has also coached:
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates
- Colombia
- Egypt
- Qatar
- Oman (left in March)
What You Should Read Next: 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