By Paul Joseph
The Ghana national football team has dismissed head coach Otto Addo just 72 days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a string of disappointing performances.
Addo’s exit was confirmed by the Ghana Football Association after the team’s 2-1 defeat to Germany national football team in a friendly match played in Stuttgart on Monday.
The loss came days after a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria national football team in Vienna, extending the Black Stars’ losing streak to four matches.
In a brief statement, the GFA said it had “parted ways” with Addo with immediate effect, adding that a new technical direction for the team would be announced in due course.
The decision comes amid mounting pressure over the team’s recent struggles, despite boasting a squad that includes top talents such as Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City and Mohammed Kudus of Tottenham Hotspur.
Under Addo’s leadership, Ghana also failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, further intensifying scrutiny of his tenure.
Addo, 50, who was born in Germany and earned 15 caps for Ghana during his playing career, began his second stint as head coach in March 2024.
The timing of his dismissal raises fresh concerns about Ghana’s readiness for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
Drawn in the same group as England national football team, Ghana faces a challenging campaign. The Black Stars are scheduled to open their tournament against Panama national football team on June 18, before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia national football team on June 27.
With the World Cup fast approaching, attention now turns to who will take over the reins and stabilise the team ahead of the global showpiece.
Analysts say the next appointment will be critical, as Ghana seeks to quickly rebuild confidence, address tactical shortcomings, and maximise the potential of its talented squad on football’s biggest stage.
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