The Ghana Football Association has reportedly finished interviewing shortlisted candidates for the vacant head coach role of the Ghana national football team as the search for a replacement for Otto Addo moves closer to its final stage.

According to reports, the interviews were conducted on Monday as part of the FA’s ongoing efforts to identify the right manager to lead the Black Stars.

Coaching vacancy after Addo dismissal

The position became available after Otto Addo was relieved of his duties last week following a series of disappointing results in international friendly matches.

The defeats raised concerns about the team’s direction, prompting the Ghana FA to begin the process of appointing a new coach ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Local and foreign candidates assessed

Sources indicate that the interview process involved both Ghanaian and foreign coaches, with the FA carefully evaluating each candidate’s experience, leadership ability and tactical knowledge.

Beyond technical skills, the association is also believed to be looking for a manager capable of handling the intense pressure that comes with leading the Black Stars.

Candidates present plans for the team

During the interviews, each candidate reportedly presented their football philosophy and outlined plans for rebuilding the national team.

These proposals included strategies for improving the squad in the short term while also developing a long-term structure that can sustain Ghana’s competitiveness on the international stage.

The FA is said to be particularly interested in appointing a coach who can quickly introduce discipline, organisation and consistency within the team.

Final decision expected soon

With the interview stage now completed, the Ghana FA is expected to move into internal discussions and consultations with key stakeholders before making a final decision.

The conclusion of the interviews represents a major step in the selection process, with an official announcement on the new Black Stars coach expected in the coming days as Ghana prepares for the upcoming World Cup challenge.

The Ghana Football Association Executive Council is expected to meet today, April 7, 2026, to deliberate on the appointment of a new head coach for the Ghana national football team.

The meeting comes as the search for a replacement for Otto Addo intensifies following his recent dismissal.

Coaching change after disappointing results

Addo’s departure followed a difficult international window in March where Ghana suffered back-to-back defeats in friendly matches against the Austria national football team and the Germany national football team.

Those results raised serious concerns about the team’s readiness for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and prompted the FA to make a swift decision regarding the technical leadership of the Black Stars.

Three candidates reportedly shortlisted

According to reports from Citi Sports, the GFA has already drawn up a shortlist of three candidates for the coaching role. However, the identities of the coaches under consideration have not yet been made public.

During the Executive Council meeting, members are expected to evaluate the shortlisted candidates and decide on the preferred choice to lead the national team.

Government consultation expected

Once a final decision is reached, the FA is expected to consult government authorities as part of the traditional collaboration between the football governing body and state officials when appointing a national team coach.

The association has reportedly indicated that it is looking for a coach with strong credentials and experience at both club and international level.

Focus on World Cup preparation

The new coach will have limited time to prepare the team ahead of the World Cup.

The Black Stars are scheduled to face the Mexico national football team in an international friendly before playing another preparatory match against the Wales national football team on June 2.

Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup and have been drawn in Group L alongside the Panama national football team, England national football team and Croatia national football team.

Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has dismissed reports suggesting he has been approached by the Ghana Football Association regarding the vacant head coach position of the Ghana national football team.

Saintfiet, whose name has recently surfaced in discussions about the job, clarified that he has not received any official communication from the Ghana FA.

Search continues after Otto Addo’s departure

The Black Stars coaching role became available after Otto Addo was relieved of his duties earlier this week.

Addo’s dismissal followed disappointing performances during the March international window, where Ghana suffered defeats to the Austria national football team and the Germany national football team in friendly matches.

Other coaches distance themselves from the role

As speculation grows over who will take charge of the Black Stars, some high-profile coaches have already ruled themselves out of the race.

Walid Regragui, the head coach of the Morocco national football team, has reportedly shown no interest in the position. Meanwhile, Hervé Renard is expected to remain with the Saudi Arabia national football team as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

Saintfiet’s experience in African football

Despite denying contact with the GFA, Saintfiet remains one of the experienced coaches frequently mentioned in connection with the job.

The Belgian tactician has spent nearly 30 years working across African football, managing several national teams including the Namibia national football team, Zimbabwe national football team, Ethiopia national football team, Malawi national football team, Togo national football team and the Gambia national football team.

He is currently in charge of the Mali national football team.

Ghana prepare for World Cup challenge

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the Ghana FA is under pressure to appoint a new coach soon to lead the Black Stars into the tournament.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside the England national football team, Croatia national football team and the Panama national football team.

The Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18 before facing England and Croatia in their remaining group matches.

The Ghana Football Association has reportedly received more than 600 applications for the vacant head coach position of the Ghana national football team following the departure of Otto Addo.

GFA president Kurt Okraku confirmed the overwhelming interest in the role, describing it as a clear sign of how attractive the Black Stars job remains within the football world.

Speaking to 3Sports, Okraku revealed that the FA has been flooded with applications from coaches across the globe who are eager to take charge of one of Africa’s most historic national teams.

Coaching position became vacant after recent defeats

The coaching role opened up after Otto Addo was relieved of his duties following a series of disappointing results.

Ghana suffered a heavy defeat to the Austria national football team before losing again to the Germany national football team in an international friendly. Those results triggered an emergency decision by the FA while the team was in Stuttgart.

Global interest in the Black Stars job

The large number of applicants reflects the prestige attached to managing Ghana, a four-time African champion and regular participant at the FIFA World Cup.

Both Ghanaian and international coaches are believed to be among the candidates hoping to secure the position.

GFA begins screening process

The Ghana FA is now expected to begin reviewing the applications as it looks to shortlist the most suitable candidates.

According to Kurt Okraku, the association hopes to appoint a new coach within the next one to two weeks in order to avoid disrupting the team’s preparations.

Focus shifts to World Cup preparation

The Black Stars are scheduled to play friendly matches against the Mexico national football team and the Wales national football team in May as part of their build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana have been drawn in a challenging group that includes the Panama national football team, Croatia national football team and England national football team.

The next head coach will therefore face immediate pressure to stabilise the team and guide the Black Stars into the tournament with renewed confidence.