Ghana Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sa insists that Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz remain head coach of the team.

This comes after the media reportedly misread the coach’s message of gratitude following Ghana’s elimination by Colombia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 3.

The team's head coach shared a post on Facebook on Sunday, July 5, stating that, “I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved… Reaching a higher level should never be the destination; it should be the beginning of even greater ambitions.”

Queiroz appeared to hint at his departure after Ghana’s World Cup campaign ended with a Round of 32 defeat to Colombia, with the experienced coach stating in a social media post that he was leaving his role “with pride”.

However, the 73-year-old later indicated in a social media interview that he had not officially resigned from his position after taking charge of the Black Stars on a short-term agreement following Otto Addo’s exit.

De Sa, who joined Ghana’s technical team ahead of the tournament, said he had not received any official communication confirming that Queiroz had stepped down and questioned reports suggesting otherwise.

“I don’t know if that’s official [that he has left]. I have only seen it on social media. But I don’t think that is from him because he would have told me if that’s the case,” De Sa said in an interview with KickOff.

Queiroz was appointed to lead Ghana’s technical team for the World Cup campaign, where the Black Stars recorded mixed results in Group L.

Ghana opened the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama before securing a goalless draw against England. They ended the group stage with a 2-1 defeat to Croatia, finishing third in the group but advancing to the knockout stage.

The four-time African champions were later eliminated in the Round of 32 after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.

With the World Cup campaign now over, Ghana will shift focus to the qualification process for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Africans& Diaspora

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, Somalia and The Gambia, with the qualifiers scheduled to begin in September.

Ati Zigi on Carlos stay

Speaking on the uncertainty surrounding the coach's future with the national team, Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi backed retaining Carlos, praising his ability to ignite a level of positivity in the squad.

Ati Zigi, who featured in two matches under Queiroz during Ghana's World Cup campaign, said he was unaware of the details surrounding the coach's contract but believes keeping him as head coach would be a positive decision.

“I don't know about his contract situation, but I feel he is a great coach, and I love how he brought about the positivity in camp. But if the leadership wants him to stay, it will be a good decision,” he told Sporty FM.

The Portuguese coach took over from Otto Addo, who was dismissed after a poor run of form that led to defeats against Austria and Germany in international friendlies on March 27 and March 30, respectively.

Queiroz's contract was for a short period (a four-month agreement), according to reports that emerged after his appointment, after which an extension would be subject to his performance at the global tournament.

His contract lasted just under four months (April–July 2026). He guided the team through the FIFA World Cup, recording one win, two draws and two losses across five matches.

With the World Cup campaign now over, Ghana will turn attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, Somalia and Rwanda as they seek to secure qualification for the continental tournament.

During his unveiling, Carlos Queiroz described his new role as the biggest challenge of his career despite having worked with eight national teams; however, he said he was “ready to deliver”.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be here today," Queiroz said at the unveiling. "Since I arrived, I have started to feel it. This is the soul of the Black Stars. The soul of the Black Stars is huge, and that means our dreams and expectations are huge.

“After eight national teams and important competitions, this is the biggest challenge of my life, and I am ready for that. I can promise and guarantee that I will bring 40 years of my experience [to the job],” he said.

He made these remarks during his unveiling at the Alisa Hotel during a press conference.

At the time of his appointment, there were barely 50 days until the global tournament began, with the former Iran coach tasked with stabilising the team after four successive defeats.

His appointment came after the dismissal of Otto Addo on Monday, March 30, following Ghana's poor performances in the international friendlies against Austria and Germany.