Carlos Queiroz is reportedly on course to continue as head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars after negotiations with the Ghana Football Association moved closer to a conclusion, potentially ending weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Portuguese tactician’s future.
The 73 year old coach, who assumed responsibility for the national team on a short term arrangement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, guided Ghana into the knockout phase of the tournament before the Black Stars were eliminated by Colombia. His performance at the competition subsequently strengthened the case for retaining him beyond the expiration of his initial agreement.
Queiroz’s continuation had appeared uncertain after his original four month contract expired, with negotiations reportedly complicated by financial obligations connected to his World Cup assignment. However, those outstanding payments, including amounts owed to members of his technical team, have reportedly been settled through arrangements involving the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
The resolution of the financial issues is understood to have removed a significant impediment to the discussions and created renewed momentum towards securing a fresh agreement. Reports emerging on September 2 indicate that negotiations have now reached an advanced stage, with both sides expected to finalise the remaining contractual details shortly.
The development represents a significant change from the uncertainty that surrounded Queiroz’s position in August. Earlier reports suggested that negotiations had stalled and that the Ghana Football Association had begun exploring alternative coaching options after failing to reach an agreement with the Portuguese trainer.
The GFA had nevertheless expressed confidence in Queiroz following an assessment of his World Cup performance. Its Executive Council unanimously recommended that the veteran coach remain in charge of the Black Stars, although officials previously stressed that his continuation would require agreement between the coach, the association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Queiroz was appointed in April 2026 following the departure of Otto Addo and was given the demanding task of preparing Ghana for the World Cup within a limited period. Despite the restricted preparation time, he guided the Black Stars through the group stage and into the knockout rounds, giving his tenure a stronger foundation for consideration of a longer engagement.
A renewed agreement would place Queiroz at the centre of Ghana’s efforts to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a campaign that carries particular importance after the Black Stars failed to reach the previous edition of the continental tournament hosted by Morocco.
Ghana have been placed in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia. The Ghana Football Association has confirmed the composition of the group, with the qualifying programme running from September 2026 through March 2027.
The Black Stars are scheduled to commence their campaign with a difficult away encounter against Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24, 2026. Three days later, Ghana are expected to return home to face The Gambia in Accra.
The opening fixtures will immediately provide a significant examination of the team’s progress under Queiroz, particularly because Ghana will be seeking to establish a strong position in the group from the outset. The subsequent matches against Somalia in November will then precede the concluding fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in March 2027.
The expected continuation of Queiroz also comes at an important moment for the Black Stars, with the national team seeking to restore its position among Africa’s leading footballing nations after the disappointment of missing the previous Africa Cup of Nations.
For the Ghana Football Association, retaining the experienced Portuguese coach would provide continuity at a time when preparations for the next major competitive assignment are already gathering momentum. For Queiroz, meanwhile, a new agreement would offer the opportunity to build on the foundation established during his brief World Cup tenure and pursue qualification for another major international tournament.
With the financial issues reportedly resolved and contractual discussions now said to be nearing completion, the remaining task is expected to be the formalisation of the agreement. If the final terms are approved and signed, Queiroz will continue at the helm of the Black Stars as Ghana begins its pursuit of a return to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027
