Carlos Queiroz quits as Ghana head coach; Jordan part ways with Jamal Sellami
Accra, July 6
Carlos Queiroz has announced his decision to quit as Ghana's head coach a day after the team was eliminated by Colombia from the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 73-year-old Portuguese was appointed on a four-month contract 10 weeks before the start of the World Cup after the Ghana Football Association parted ways with former coach Otto Addo. Queiroz led Ghana in five matches, recording one win, two draws and two defeats. During that period, the Black Stars scored three goals and conceded three.
In a farewell message on his official Facebook page, Queiroz said he was leaving the job with pride. "Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson; you either win or you learn. I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who wanted more," wrote Queiroz. "I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more. Reaching a higher level should never be the destination-it should be the beginning of even greater ambitions."
"The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch. Black Stars Success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana's extraordinary football talent." he added
Queiroz was one of two World Cup managers to leave their post with Jordan also parting ways with head coach Jamal Sellami following their fourth-place finish in Group J.
Jordan Football Association President Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has confirmed via social media post the end of Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami's tenure as head coach of the Jordan national team.
"We thank you for your efforts and distinguished giving, and for your contribution to achieving the historic accomplishment of qualifying our national team to the World Cup," Al Hussein posted on X. "Your experience with the Nashama has been an exceptional one, and you will always remain a dear son to Jordan, for the sincerity, professionalism, and leadership spirit you have provided."
Sellami took over the national team in 2024 following the departure of fellow Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta and went on to lead Jordan into uncharted territory.
Under his leadership, Jordan secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a decisive 3-0 victory over Oman, ending a long wait marked by nine unsuccessful attempts to reach the tournament.
— IANS
Reader Comments
These coaching changes show the volatility in African and Asian football. Even after historic qualification, Jordan sacked Sellami. This is like watching our own ISL clubs sometimes! But I love how Queiroz spoke about building infrastructure. India needs that too—not just short-term fixes.
Queiroz's message about "losing or learning" resonated with me. Indian sports could learn from that philosophy. But I think he should have stayed longer to build something. Ghana reached the round of 32—that's not bad for a team that hired him just 10 weeks before the tournament! 🇮🇳🤔
Jordan's story is so inspiring—9 failed attempts and then they finally qualify. That's the kind of persistence Indian football needs. But I'm a bit critical: why fire a coach who achieved the historic feat of World Cup qualification? Seems ungrateful. Sellami took them where no one had before.
The pressure on national team coaches is immense everywhere—even in smaller football nations. Queiroz is an experienced coach and his words about creating the right environment off the pitch are spot on. Ghana's talent is wasted without proper infrastructure. Same problem in India, honestly.
I appreciate Queiroz's dignified exit with a thoughtful Facebook post. But I find it ironic that Jordan's Prince Ali thanked Sellami and then immediately sacked him. Football is brutally transactional. At least Queiroz left on his own terms. Indian coaches face similar instability in our domestic leagues.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.