Ghana Sacks Otto Addo 72 Days Before World Cup Opener

Ghana have dismissed head coach Otto Addo just 72 days before the national team start their World Cup campaign, ending Addo’s second spell in charge at a critical stage of preparation.

The Black Stars are preparing for a fifth World Cup appearance and will compete in Group L with Croatia, England and Panama. Ghana open against Panama on 17 June, before facing Croatia and then England in the group stage.

Addo’s exit follows a run of poor friendly results. Ghana lost 2-1 to Julian Nagelsmann's Germany in Stuttgart, where Kai Havertz scored first, Abdul Fatawu equalised, and Deniz Undav hit a late winner for the hosts.

That defeat came only three days after a heavy 5-1 loss against Austria, adding to growing concerns over form. Ghana have now been beaten in four straight matches, all friendlies, raising questions about momentum heading into the World Cup finals.

Despite these setbacks, Addo guided Ghana through World Cup qualifying with a strong record. The team topped their qualification group, winning eight of ten matches, drawing once and losing once, which secured a spot at the 2026 tournament.

Addo had previously taken interim control in 2022, including at the World Cup in Qatar. Ghana went out in the group stage of that tournament, and during Addo’s current spell they also failed to qualify for the recent Africa Cup of Nations.

The Ghana Football Association stated on their website that the organisation "have parted ways with the head coach of the senior men's national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo, effective immediately". No information has yet been released about a successor or the reasons.

Ghana now enter the final weeks before the World Cup with no permanent technical leader confirmed. The next appointment must quickly address form, rebuild confidence after four defeats, and finalise plans for a demanding group featuring Croatia, England and Panama.