Carlos Queiroz has been reappointed as head coach of the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, less than two months after stepping down from the same position. The Ghana Football Association confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, as reported by LiveScore, bringing the 73-year-old Portuguese manager back for a second stint that begins during the upcoming international break.
Queiroz's return comes with Ghana sitting third in their World Cup qualifying group, having taken four points from three matches with one win, one draw, and one loss. Their recent form shows three consecutive defeats, including a 1-0 loss to Colombia on July 4 that marked their exit from the 2026 World Cup at the round of 32 stage. That elimination triggered the expiration of Queiroz's initial contract, which he followed with a resignation announcement on Instagram in July.
Why did Queiroz leave and return so quickly?
His first tenure with Ghana lasted under three months after he was hired in April to replace Otto Addo. Queiroz guided the team through their World Cup campaign before his contract naturally concluded with their tournament exit. In his departure statement, he reflected on the experience. Carlos Queiroz said: "To Ghana.. Football, like life, teaches us a timeless lesson: you either win or you learn."
The Ghanaian association clearly valued his experience enough to seek his return immediately. A statement from the governing body explained their decision. The Ghanaian association said: "We are pleased to announce the agreement with Carlos Queiroz on his appointment as coach of the national team for the upcoming period." They believe his extensive background makes him the right choice to lead the side through their upcoming challenges.
What experience does Queiroz bring to Ghana?
Carlos Queiroz possesses one of international football's most varied resumes. He has managed nine different national teams throughout his long career. Before his brief first spell with Ghana, he guided Iran through three consecutive World Cup finals tournaments. He also took Portugal to the last-16 stage of the 2010 World Cup.
His club experience includes serving as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United during one of their most successful periods. Queiroz also had a stint as head coach of Real Madrid during the 2003-04 season. This wealth of experience across different football cultures and pressure environments informed the GFA's decision to reappoint him so quickly after his departure.
What are Ghana's immediate challenges?
The Black Stars face immediate competitive action under their returning manager. Ghana will travel to Ivory Coast on September 23 for a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. This match marks the beginning of their campaign to reach the continental tournament, and fans can track the full qualifying schedule on our fixtures page.
Ghana's current statistical profile shows a team struggling for results recently. They have won none of their last five matches, drawing two and losing three, with those three defeats coming consecutively. Across their World Cup qualifying matches so far, they have scored two goals and conceded two, leaving them with a neutral goal difference. Supporters can monitor the team's evolving standings in both competitions as Queiroz begins his work.
How will Queiroz approach his second chance?
His reappointment represents a rare second opportunity with the same national team within such a short timeframe. Queiroz will need to address Ghana's recent scoring difficulties and defensive organization quickly. The team's form line of losses and draws suggests systemic issues that his experience will be tested to solve.
The manager inherits a squad that showed promise but ultimately fell short at the World Cup. His task now extends beyond tournament football to building a team capable of consistent qualification success. Queiroz will lead the team during the September international break, with his first match back in charge coming against Ivory Coast in Abidjan on September 23.
