Tom Saintfiet emerges as frontrunner for Black Stars job ahead of 2026 World Cup
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has reportedly moved into pole position to take over as head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars following an Executive Council meeting of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Friday, April 10, 2026.
The GFA is actively searching for a successor to Otto Addo, whose second stint in charge ended after a disappointing run of results, including recent friendly defeats to Austria and Germany.
Saintfiet, the Belgian tactician, is understood to be leading the shortlist as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Local reports indicate the GFA is considering a short-term, four-month contract for the next head coach, a move aimed at limiting financial risk in case of an underwhelming World Cup campaign. Officials are said to be reluctant to commit to a long-term deal at this stage, given potential compensation costs tied to early termination.
There is also growing speculation that experienced French coach Hervé Renard could become available after the tournament, a scenario that may be influencing the federation’s preference for a temporary appointment before reassessing long-term options.
Saintfiet’s extensive experience in African football is seen as a major advantage. The 51-year-old previously guided The Gambia to a historic quarter-final finish at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations—his first appearance at the tournament with the West African nation.
He has also managed several national teams across the continent, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Ethiopia, earning a reputation for building disciplined and competitive sides despite limited resources.
Other high-profile names, including former Real Madrid and Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz and ex-Chelsea and Ivory Coast boss Hervé Renard, have also been linked with the role, alongside a number of European and African candidates.
A new Black Stars coach is expected to be confirmed next week, with Ghana set to regroup in May for a friendly against Mexico, followed by another warm-up match against Wales on June 2.
Ghana, making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia in what promises to be a demanding group-stage challenge.