Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took an unexpected turn on Monday following a run of poor results in international friendlies.
The Black Stars have qualified for the World Cup and are set to open group play on June 17 against Panama in Toronto. The African nation is part of Group L, which also includes England and Croatia.
Ghana, however, hasn't won a game since they last did in the final match of the African qualifiers back in Oct. 2025, losing the next four matches—all of them friendlies—including defeats against Japan, South Korea, Austria and Germany.
Following the 2-1 loss to Germany on Monday, Ghana decided to fire head coach Otto Addo with just 73 days remaining before the World Cup starts in June.
“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have parted ways with the head coach of the senior men’s national team, Otto Addo, effective immediately,” the statement read. “The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours. The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.”
Ghana's balance in their last four friendlies ended with 10 goals against and just two goals scored. Those results contrast with the nation's success in the World Cup qualifiers, where the team collected 25 points, winning eight games, drawing one, and only losing once.
Addo had returned to coaching Ghana for a second time in March 2024. He previously led Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the team defeated South Korea 3-2 but exited in the group stage following losses to Portugal and Uruguay.
Addo's tenure ended with the nation qualifying for its fifth World Cup.
Ghana will now be tasked with naming a replacement in time for upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Wales, scheduled for May 22 and Jun. 2, respectively.
