The Ghana Football Association (Ghana Football Association) has expressed regret over the departure of former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while defending the decision as necessary based on performance concerns.
Addo, who was reappointed in March 2024, successfully guided Ghana through qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, his tenure came under pressure following a poor run of results in the team’s build-up to the tournament.
Despite securing World Cup qualification, Ghana also failed to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, adding to concerns over the team’s consistency and progress.
The situation worsened during friendly matches in North America, where the Black Stars suffered consecutive defeats against Austria and Germany, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum admitted the association would have preferred to keep Addo in charge, but insisted the decision was made in the best interest of the team.
“We would have loved to have the coach (Otto Addo) who qualified us for the World Cup, but unfortunately, the results were not looking good, and after the search period, we appointed Carlos Queiroz as the new coach for the Black Stars,” he said in an interview with DW TV.
He further explained that experience was a key factor in the appointment of Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz.
“He is very experienced, and that is what we needed at this moment,” Asante Twum added.
Queiroz, who has taken over the team on a short-term basis, is now preparing Ghana for their fifth World Cup appearance. The Black Stars are aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, with a tough group-stage campaign ahead.
The team will begin their World Cup journey against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. Their final group fixture will be against Croatia on June 27.
Despite the managerial change, Ghana remain focused on progressing beyond the group stage and making a strong impact on football’s biggest stage.
