Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed strong belief in the Black Stars’ ability to make a significant impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging football fans and pundits not to write off Ghana despite the challenges that lie ahead.
The Black Stars have been handed a difficult assignment after being drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, with many analysts predicting a tough battle for qualification to the knockout stage.
However, Okraku remains convinced that Ghana possesses the quality, determination and potential to compete with the world’s best teams when the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking on the Delay Show, the GFA president pointed to the unpredictable nature of football as reason to remain optimistic about Ghana’s chances.
“I have seen bad teams win big tournaments, I have also seen good teams lose big tournaments, and I have seen good teams win big tournaments. So, you can never rule out any football nation, Ghana inclusive,” Okraku stated.
The football administrator stressed that belief remains a crucial ingredient for success at major tournaments and revealed that everyone involved with the national team is working towards achieving something special on the global stage.
“We have a good team, and I want to win the World Cup. That is why we are doing everything possible,” he added.
Okraku’s comments come at a time when preparations for the tournament are intensifying, with the Black Stars currently fine-tuning their plans ahead of their opening group match.
The GFA president’s confidence reflects the growing optimism surrounding a squad that combines experienced international players with an exciting group of emerging talents.
Ghana will be making its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and will be hoping to recreate the memorable performances that have defined previous campaigns, particularly the historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.
While England and Croatia are widely considered favourites in Group L, Okraku believes football has repeatedly shown that determination, preparation and team spirit can help underdogs overcome the odds.
The Black Stars will begin their World Cup journey against Panama before facing England and Croatia in what promises to be a fiercely competitive group.
With expectations building ahead of the tournament, Okraku has made it clear that Ghana will not travel to the World Cup merely to participate but to compete and challenge for success.
His message to the football world is simple: underestimate Ghana at your own risk.
