Road to 2026: Black Stars Face Injury Hurdles and Administrative Shifts Amid World Cup Preparations

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are marked by a blend of optimism and significant tactical concerns as the national team prepares to face a formidable group including England, Croatia, and Panama. Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku recently addressed the media at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, expressing deep concern over the fitness of key pillars Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, and Abu Francis. This sentiment was echoed by former international Kwadwo Asamoah, who raised a red flag regarding the squad's readiness to compete against elite European sides. Asamoah highlighted England's tactical stability and the high volume of Champions League players in the opposing ranks as major obstacles the Black Stars must overcome when their campaign begins on June 17.

Despite these challenges, the team has received a significant boost with the return of winger Ernest Nuamah. After being sidelined for over a year due to an ACL injury, Nuamah’s recent return to action is seen as a vital addition to Ghana’s attacking options. Similarly, midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is making strides in his recovery with SC Freiburg’s U23 side. Kyereh recently opened up about his rehabilitation, crediting former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah for providing crucial mental support during his three-year injury struggle. Kyereh also shared his admiration for teammate Thomas Partey, noting that the midfielder’s intensity and quality in training sessions are even more impressive than his televised performances, signaling a strong core of leadership within the squad.

On the administrative front, the government has signaled a move toward fiscal discipline regarding tournament expenses. Minister of Sports Kofi Adams clarified that the state will not fund travel for the GFA’s full Executive Council for the 2026 World Cup, limiting financial support to essential personnel such as the GFA President, General Secretary, and Management Committee members. This announcement comes as Ghana looks to build on its historic World Cup legacy, which includes 18 goals scored by nine different players across previous tournaments, spearheaded by Africa’s all-time leading scorer Asamoah Gyan. As the Black Stars prepare for upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Wales, the focus remains on balancing financial constraints with the high-performance demands of the world stage.

The broader African football landscape also provides a backdrop of resurgence, particularly with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana qualifying for the 2026 tournament under coach Hugo Broos. South Africa’s journey from post-apartheid readmission in 1992 to their recent rise in FIFA rankings mirrors the competitive evolution occurring across the continent. For Ghana, the path forward involves navigating a demanding schedule and finalizing a resilient squad by June 1. With historical icons like Andre Ayew and Sulley Muntari having set the standard in past editions, the current generation faces the dual task of overcoming immediate injury setbacks while aiming to advance beyond the group stages for the first time since 2010.