World Cup nation part ways with manager 72 days before tournament
Ghana have dismissed head coach Otto Addo less than three months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, leaving one of England’s group-stage opponents facing a late disruption to its preparations.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced Tuesday that it had “parted ways” with Addo with immediate effect, following growing concern over the team’s recent performances.
Addo, 50, was in his second spell in charge after returning in 2024 and had been expected to lead the Black Stars into this summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. He previously coached Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The decision follows consecutive friendly defeats during the international break, including a 5-1 loss to Austria and a 2-1 defeat against Germany in Stuttgart. Ghana briefly drew level through Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu before Deniz Undav restored Germany’s lead.
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In a statement, the GFA confirmed the departure and thanked Addo for his contribution, adding that a new technical direction for the national team would be outlined soon.
According to UK-based Ghanaian journalist Rahman Osman, Addo was informed of the decision shortly after the Germany match following a meeting of the GFA’s executive council in Stuttgart. Osman reported that Addo responded calmly before leaving the meeting.
The timing leaves Ghana with limited room to settle on a replacement before the tournament begins in June, increasing the pressure on the federation to make a swift appointment.
Ghana are scheduled to open their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
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Sources: Ghana Football Association, Rahman Osman
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