If we count only the group stage, the recently finished World Cup has been a huge success for African teams. Many doubters will say that it was mainly due to the fact that a number of participants (48) was sharply increased, compared to previous tournaments (32), but whatever the reason, the African continent was happy and full of pride. When the group phase was finished, nine African nations reached the knockout rounds of the expanded 2026 tournament, the highest number ever from the continent. The meltdown followed later and Ghana was among those teams. The Black Stars have a long history of participating at the World Cup, they have even made it through the group stage twice before doing it for the third time in 2026, but were stopped in the Round of 32, when they lost to Colombia 1-0. Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz left the post, only to come back today.🇬🇭 These are the numbers behind Carlos Queiroz's first stint. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/bZ7K3IMsN6— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) September 2, 2026 The Ghana Football Association proudly announced the return of the Portuguese manager, who was persuaded to continue his work and signed him for ‘the next phase of the team’s programme’.“The GFA believes Queiroz’s extensive international experience, technical expertise and knowledge of the Black Stars position him strongly to lead the team into this next chapter. Further details on the new mandate and the Black Stars’ upcoming programme will be announced in due course, as the GFA and Coach Queiroz turn their focus to building a successful new phase for Ghana on the international stage” reads the statement.Kenyan data analyst explains late capitulation by African teams at FIFA World CupHis new mandate begins during the upcoming international break, which marks the start of Ghana's campaign in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars travel to Ivory Coast on 23 September and Queiroz will face a really tough match. Overall, Ghana is in the co-called ‘Group of death’ with Gambia and Somalia as well. The pressure on the new/old boss will be immense, considering that Ghana failed to qualify for the last AFCON. They shockingly finished dead last in their group behind Angola, Sudan, and Niger. The four-time African champions did not win a single qualifying match, registering three draws and three losses.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930179##