GFA Holds Emergency Meeting to Resolve Black Stars Coaching Crisis Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council has convened an emergency meeting to finalize the appointment of a new head coach for the Black Stars, following the dismissal of Otto Addo on March 31, 2026. The decision to part ways with Addo came after a string of disappointing results, including a 4-1 defeat to Austria and a 2-1 loss to Germany. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the GFA is under intense pressure to stabilize the national team and ensure a successful campaign in Group L, where Ghana is slated to face Panama, England, and Croatia.

Amidst this transition, Kudjoe Fianoo, a former member of the Black Stars Management Committee, has publicly criticized the GFA’s previous handling of the coaching role, alleging that Otto Addo was originally appointed through a "backdoor" process that bypassed established criteria. Fianoo has urged the association to appoint current Technical Director Winfried Schäfer as an interim head coach. He argues that Schäfer’s deep familiarity with the Ghanaian football landscape provides the necessary stability to manage the immediate transition while the GFA conducts a thorough search for a permanent successor, rather than rushing into a long-term commitment.

Beyond the technical bench, former Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye has called on the GFA to aggressively pursue foreign-based players of Ghanaian descent to bolster the squad. Citing injury concerns regarding key players like Mohammed Kudus, Vanderpuye emphasized the need to secure talents such as Danny Welbeck, Eddie Nketiah, and Callum Hudson-Odoi. He maintains that enhancing the squad’s depth with established international experience is vital for Ghana’s competitiveness on the world stage, especially as preparations for the tournament intensify.

The GFA is reportedly considering several high-profile candidates for the permanent role, including Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento, and Fernando Santos. An official announcement is expected by Monday, April 13, 2026, following consultations with the government. The team is scheduled to resume preparations in May with high-stakes friendlies against Mexico and Wales, providing the new technical lead with a critical window to shape the squad before the World Cup kick-off.