Ghana have dismissed manager Otto Addo with immediate effect following a series of heavy defeats, acting just 72 days before their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
The departure comes after the West African nation suffered a 2-1 friendly defeat against Germany in Stuttgart on Monday, compounding a 5-1 thrashing by Austria last Friday.
The Black Stars are currently enduring a dismal run of form, having lost their last four consecutive matches across all competitions.
The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.
Ghana Football Association
World Cup preparations thrown into disarray
This sudden managerial change leaves the squad in a highly precarious position ahead of a challenging group stage at the upcoming tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
They are scheduled to open their campaign against Panama on 18 June, before facing England and Croatia in subsequent pivotal fixtures.
Despite boasting top-tier attacking talent like Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo and Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus, the national side also failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The end of a disappointing second spell
The 50-year-old tactician only began his second stint in charge of the national setup in March 2024.
Born in Germany, the former midfielder spent his entire playing career in European football while also earning 15 international caps for the country he eventually managed.
Following Monday’s defeat, governing body officials released a brief statement confirming they had officially parted ways with the manager.
Italy have been embroiled in a spying controversy ahead of their crucial World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a soldier was allegedly spotted filming their opponents’ training session.
The European rivals are preparing to face off on Tuesday evening at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica for a highly anticipated spot at this summer’s tournament.
Tensions escalated when local media claimed a scout sought an unfair advantage during Bosnia’s final tactical preparations in Butmir on Sunday.
Military presence sparks controversy
A soldier from the European Union Force (EUFOR), believed to be of Italian nationality, was observed recording the training session involving veteran striker Edin Dzeko.
While cameras were permitted for a standard 15-minute public window, the individual wearing a camouflage jacket reportedly remained to film the intensified, closed-door tactical work.
The EUFOR base, which houses the Multinational Battalion and includes Italian Carabinieri military police, sits adjacent to the Bosnian training pitch.
However, there is currently no concrete evidence linking the figure directly to Gennaro Gattuso’s squad, with some claims suggesting the soldier was merely watching as a fan.
Desperation to end World Cup exile
The Azzurri arrived in Zenica facing immense pressure, having shockingly failed to qualify for the previous two editions of the global tournament.
That frustrating absence has loomed large over the national side, even overshadowing their celebrated continental success at Euro 2020.
Star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma acknowledged the sheer magnitude of the impending fixture during a tense pre-match press conference.
“It’s one of the most important matches, one of the most emotional.”
“We’re human beings; we feel the matches too, and we need to know how to manage it, saving our energy solely for tomorrow.”
The imposing shot-stopper emphasised the need for total focus on their own performance rather than any external distractions.
“We must focus solely on ourselves; if you think only about what you have to do, don’t waste energy on other situations.”
With their World Cup destiny hanging in the balance, the four-time winners know they must overcome both a hostile atmosphere and the swirling controversy to secure qualification.
England manager Sarina Wiegman faces a nervous wait over the fitness of captain Leah Williamson ahead of her upcoming squad announcement.
The influential defender represents one of two major injury concerns currently occupying the thoughts of the Lionesses coaching staff.
Reports indicate that the national team medical department is closely evaluating the situation alongside club staff.
Injury setbacks for the skipper
Williamson has endured a deeply frustrating period with physical setbacks over the past 18 months.
The Arsenal centre-back famously missed the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Since returning to domestic action, the 27-year-old has had to carefully manage her playing minutes to avoid aggravating any underlying issues.
Wiegman forced to consider alternatives
The Dutch coach must now weigh up whether to risk including her captain or allow further recovery time in north London.
An absence from the international setup would be a significant blow for the European champions as they build towards their Euro 2025 title defence.
Should the versatile defender be formally ruled out, Wiegman has several capable deputies waiting in the wings to fill the void.
The final squad list is expected to reflect a highly cautious approach to player welfare during an incredibly congested domestic calendar.
Former striker Gabby Agbonlahor has urged the Premier League to suspend players who withdraw from international duty after 10 Arsenal squad members returned to their club this week.
The Gunners are currently chasing their first top-flight title since the 2003-04 season and appear to be prioritising domestic fitness over international fixtures.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Aston Villa frontman suggested immediate domestic suspensions for those avoiding national team representation.
Agbonlahor proposes new suspension rules
If I was part of the Premier League and I was making a decision, I would bring in a new rule, you miss the next Premier League game available if you pull out of international duty.
I tell you something, players will stop pulling out.
A host of high-profile names, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard, pulled out of their respective national camps ahead of the current break.
The 37-year-old pundit believes international football is being severely undervalued in favour of club ambitions.
Playing for your country is an honour. It doesn’t sit right with me.
Arteta prioritising domestic success
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is under immense pressure to finally deliver major silverware to the Emirates Stadium this season.
The north London side will face Southampton in the FA Cup immediately following the conclusion of the international window.
I get it, Arteta is doing everything possible to win these trophies.
Recent arrivals and established starters alike have been caught up in the withdrawal controversy, with winger Noni Madueke leaving the England camp following a 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
Injury concerns mount at the Emirates
The 22-year-old attacker was spotted wearing a knee brace after departing Wembley Stadium.
Medical analysts suggest the former Chelsea forward could face several weeks on the sidelines if scans confirm ligament damage.
He joins a growing list of fitness doubts, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber also returning early from their international commitments.
Former England international Paul Merson has backed John Stones to be selected for the World Cup squad despite the defender’s lack of domestic minutes this season.
The Manchester City centre-back has endured a frustrating campaign characterized by limited opportunities on the pitch.
However, the respected television pundit insists that the experienced international remains absolutely crucial for the national team.
He can play in the big games!
Paul Merson
Tournament experience outweighs match sharpness
The Yorkshire-born defender has established himself as a highly dependable cornerstone of the national side’s backline over recent years.
Debate continues to rage over whether a shortage of regular club football should automatically disqualify established stars from tournament selection.
This latest endorsement highlights a clear preference for proven pedigree over immediate domestic form.
Balancing the defensive options
International managers frequently face difficult dilemmas when balancing current club momentum against historical reliability.
The ball-playing centre-half possesses the precise tactical awareness and composure required to navigate high-pressure knockout fixtures.
If selected, his presence would undoubtedly provide significant reassurance and leadership to the travelling squad in Qatar.
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has revealed he was “petrified” of missing Scotland’s upcoming World Cup campaign after requiring knee surgery in January.
The 31-year-old recently returned to action ahead of schedule following a six-week absence.
The experienced international won the first of his 84 caps exactly ten years ago.
Scotland are currently preparing to end a 28-year wait to play at the global tournament in the Americas this summer.
World Cup dreams threatened by sudden injury
The central midfielder sustained the initial problem just 15 minutes into a league clash against Everton at Villa Park.
He initially believed he could play through the discomfort during a crucial period of the domestic season.
“I was scared. I remember right away feeling, oh this isn’t right,” McGinn admitted.
Increasing swelling and fluid eventually forced the Scottish stalwart to accept medical intervention.
Swift recovery boosts Champions League chase
Scans thankfully confirmed a minor issue rather than a severe long-term ligament tear.
The energetic playmaker underwent the first major surgery of his professional career shortly afterwards.
“As much as I like to think I could have braved on, it was clear quite soon that I needed the surgery,” he recalled.
His prompt rehabilitation has immediately revitalised his domestic club’s push for Champions League qualification.
Balancing domestic ambition with international duty
The Midlands outfit struggled without their talisman, winning just one in seven matches during his absence.
However, they have secured three victories from four fixtures since he returned to the starting line-up.
Although league title hopes are gone, his club currently sits just one point behind third-placed Manchester United.
The returning midfielder has even found the net in his last two consecutive appearances.
“As you get older, of course, you need to look after your body,” he added.
Steve Clarke’s national squad will now test their tournament preparations against Ivory Coast in a warm-up friendly on Tuesday.
Former England striker Gary Lineker has accused national team manager Thomas Tuchel of making a “personal” and “insulting” decision by continually omitting Trent Alexander-Arnold from his squad.
The 27-year-old Real Madrid defender was left out of this month’s international fixtures, with Ben White called up to replace the injured Jarell Quansah.
Alexander-Arnold has made just a single appearance for the Three Lions since Tuchel took charge 15 months ago.
‘It makes absolutely no sense’
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker expressed his bewilderment at the ongoing situation.
“I think there’s something personal because football-wise there’s no argument.”
“I can’t see how he can not be in that squad because he has to improve your chances, even if it’s from the bench.”
The former Liverpool star appears to have fallen significantly down the right-back pecking order under the current regime.
Reece James, Tino Livramento, Quansah and White are all currently preferred options for the German coach.
Struggles on the international stage
Alexander-Arnold previously faced difficulties during Euro 2024 when deployed in midfield by former boss Gareth Southgate.
The versatile playmaker was dropped from the starting line-up after just two group-stage matches during that tournament.
However, Lineker remains adamant that the current squad lacks the unique creative quality provided by the Champions League winner.
“So I suspect there’s something that Tuchel does not like about Trent Alexander-Arnold.”
“I’m just guessing in terms of what it might be, whether it’s his attitude, whether it’s he’s not brilliant defensively.”
Comparisons with returning White
The debate has been further intensified by the recall of Arsenal defender White.
White had previously made himself unavailable for international selection following reported disagreements within the England camp.
Lineker suggested that selecting other full-backs ahead of Alexander-Arnold is effectively a slight on his undeniable ability.
“You got players playing in his position, with all due respect, that are not in the same league as him, certainly with the ball at his feet.”
“As you saw in these kinds of games, you need someone with a bit of magic to unlock things, and he will provide you that.”
Craig Bellamy has confirmed he will remain as Wales head coach following their World Cup play-off defeat, dismissing speculation over his future to focus on the Euro 2028 campaign.
The national team suffered a painful exit last Thursday after losing their semi-final tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties.
Despite being appointed only in July 2024, the 46-year-old had recently been linked with a managerial move to Celtic.
However, the former international striker has emphatically distanced himself from a domestic return, describing his current international position as the best job in the world.
Euro 2028 ambitions remain the priority
The manager’s current contract runs until 2028, coinciding with the European Championship that his nation will co-host alongside England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.
“The heartbreak is actually more than I anticipated, but the energy to refocus and go again is definitely still there.”
“Nothing will ever compare to this so why would I want to wish it away? I’ve really enjoyed doing this and I still do.”
Injury setbacks ahead of Northern Ireland friendly
Instead of contesting Tuesday’s play-off final against Italy, the Dragons will host Northern Ireland in a friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The squad will be without midfielders Jordan James and Rubin Colwill, who have both returned to Leicester City and Cardiff City respectively to undergo injury assessments.
Leeds United winger Daniel James is also considered a fitness doubt for the upcoming fixture.
Their opponents are facing their own selection crisis, with Ali McCann, Ruairi McConville, Paddy McNair, and Bailey Peacock-Farrell all withdrawing from the travelling party.
Moving past the play-off disappointment
The upcoming friendly has generated widespread apathy following both nations’ respective semi-final defeats last week.
Nevertheless, the former Premier League forward expects his players to set aside their disappointment and perform against a side ranked 35 places below them globally.
“If it’s going to hurt for a couple of days, then let it hurt, and then we move forward.”
“Learn from the past and then, moving forward, look at motivation. We’ve got a lot to look forward to, and we’ve got to start looking forward now because the simple fact is we have a game tomorrow night.”