Jordan Ayew Urges Ghana to Keep Faith with Carlos Queiroz After World Cup Exit
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has called on the Ghana Football Association to retain Carlos Queiroz as head coach, insisting the Portuguese manager has already shown enough in his brief spell to prove he can lead the national team to greater success.
The experienced forward made the appeal moments after Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup journey came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32. Jhon Arias settled the contest in the 14th minute, arriving unmarked at the back post to turn home a low cross beyond Lawrence Ati Zigi.
The defeat denied Ghana a place in the last 16, but the Black Stars still enjoyed their best World Cup campaign since South Africa 2010 after reaching the knockout stage for only the third time in the nation’s history. It also marked the country’s first appearance beyond the group phase since the quarterfinal run 16 years ago.
Queiroz’s future has become a major talking point following the tournament, having accepted the job less than two months before the World Cup after succeeding Otto Addo. Despite the limited preparation time, the former Portugal, Iran, Colombia, Egypt and Qatar coach guided Ghana through the group stage and restored tactical discipline to the side.
Ayew Makes Strong Case for Coach’s Stay
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Ayew revealed that Queiroz’s message after the Colombia defeat was one of encouragement rather than disappointment.
“He just congratulated us and was being positive,” the Ghana captain said, before praising the work the Portuguese coach had done under difficult circumstances.
According to Ayew, adapting to a new manager usually takes several months, making Ghana’s progress at the tournament even more impressive.
He’s done a great job. To come in, it’s not easy. I’ve been in the game for a while now to know that sometimes you need five or six months to understand your ways. He came in and after a month or two we started implementing what he asked us to do.”
While admitting the team fell short at key moments, the Leicester City forward believes the foundations have already been laid. “We kind of worked well at some point, but at some point we fell short. He definitely needs more time,” Ayew said before adding emphatically: “I hope he stays.”
The 34-year-old stressed that his support was based solely on what he believes is best for Ghanaian football.
“I personally hope he stays because I think, not for me or him, I just feel like he’s the right person to take us to the next level and to the next step.”
Captain Yet to Decide on International Future
Ayew, who featured in all four of Ghana’s matches during the tournament, also declined to confirm whether he would continue representing the Black Stars.
“I don’t know. Let’s see,” he responded when asked about his international future, explaining that the immediate focus should remain on the team’s performance rather than individual decisions.
My future is not important. What is important now is the boys, what they did, to analyse what went wrong and what went well.”
The skipper also expressed confidence in the next generation of Black Stars players, although he deliberately avoided naming individuals.
“I don’t want to call names, but you have quality players and we just need to have more belief in ourselves that we can do it.”
Ayew said he would now take time to rest before making any decisions, adding: “For me, what is important now is to go on holidays, just rest and see what’s next.”
With his contract now under review, Queiroz’s future is expected to be decided in the coming weeks. However, Ghana’s captain has made his position unmistakably clear.
In his view, the man who guided the Black Stars back into the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2010 deserves the opportunity to continue building a team that has shown signs of returning to the highest level of international football.