World Cup 2026: Don't underestimate Ghana – Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars' ability to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that it would be wrong to underestimate the nation's chances of making a significant impact at the tournament.

The Black Stars secured qualification for the expanded 48-team World Cup and now face a daunting challenge after being drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. While many observers have labelled the group as one of the toughest in the competition, Okraku remains optimistic that Ghana can rise to the occasion and prove doubters wrong.

Speaking on the Delay Show, the GFA president highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, noting that history has repeatedly shown that success at major tournaments is not always reserved for the favourites. He stressed that Ghana possesses a talented squad capable of competing against the best teams in the world and believes the ongoing preparations will place the country in a strong position ahead of the tournament.

“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. We have a good team, and I want to win the World Cup. That is why we are doing everything possible,” Okraku said.

His comments reflect the growing belief within Ghanaian football circles that the current generation of players has the potential to achieve something special on football's biggest stage. The Black Stars have been steadily rebuilding in recent years, blending experienced campaigners with a new crop of talented young players who have impressed at club and international level.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, presents a fresh opportunity for Ghana to add another memorable chapter to its World Cup history. The four-time African champions have previously produced remarkable performances at the tournament, most notably reaching the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

Although England and Croatia enter the competition as favourites to progress from Group L, Ghana's supporters remain hopeful that the Black Stars can upset the odds. With preparations intensifying and belief growing within the camp, Okraku's ambitious target of challenging for the biggest prize in world football reflects the confidence and determination surrounding the national team ahead of the global showpiece.