England’s World Cup opponents sack boss just 72 days before start of tournament

Mar 31, 2026 - 10:00

Ghana have wielded the axe on boss Otto Addo just weeks before their World Cup opener against Panama.

The 50-year-old, who spent his entire playing career in Germany, lasted two years at the helm of the Black Stars.

Otto Addo at the 2022 World Cup — Addo has been sacked by Ghana in his second spell as manager of the Black Stars

Ironically, it was a 2-1 defeat to the 2014 World Cup winners on Monday that proved to Addo’s undoing where Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav earned Germany the win.

The loss was just days after Ghana were thrashed 5-1 by Austria in Vienna.

Ghana have lost their last four international matches having also been scuppered by Japan and South Korea.

Addo previously managed Ghana in 2022, but resigned shortly after they crashed out in the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar.

And now he has been given his marching orders just 72 days before the start of the next edition of the global tournament.

As well as Panama in Group L, Ghana will battle England and Croatia for a place in the World Cup knockout stage.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund star struggled to get consistency out of his Ghana side that boasts Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus and Man City’s Antoine Semenyo.

They even failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – the first time they had missed out since 2004.

Going, Going, Ghan

Ghana has since issued a swift statement on Addo’s dismissal following their defeat in Stuttgart, where they have failed to give a reason why he has been sacked.

They have also not given any update on his successor.

Otto Addo talks to Antoine Semenyo as manager of Ghana — Addo has struggled to get Semenyo and co. flying and has overseen four consecutive losses as Ghana boss – leading to his termination

The statement read: “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has parted ways with the Head Coach of the senior men’s national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo effective immediately.

“The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours.

“The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.”

It was only at the 2022 World Cup which saw Addo create history.

The German-born former midfielder became the first player to both play for Ghana at the World Cup [2006] and manage the nation in the finals.

Ghana will now be hoping to have a new manager whisked in for their friendlies against Mexico [on May 22] and Wales [June 2] before their World Cup opener on June 18.