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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is navigating a complex landscape of preparation, marked by both significant financial boosts and mounting concerns over player fitness. GFA President Kurt Okraku recently addressed the media, expressing worry over the injury status of several key Black Stars players. Speaking at a FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Okraku confirmed that the national medical team is closely monitoring the fitness of talisman Mohammed Kudus, defender Mohammed Salisu, and midfielder Francis Abu. Additionally, striker Inaki Williams has been struggling with form and fitness, posing a selection headache for the technical team. Despite these setbacks, Okraku remains optimistic, citing the team's inherent resilience and the tactical leadership of new head coach Carlos Queiroz, who has taken over the reins to steer Ghana through Group I against opponents England, Croatia, and Panama.
To bolster the team’s technical setup, the Black Stars are welcoming Daniel Gasper as the newly appointed goalkeepers trainer. Gasper, who brings extensive international experience, is expected to arrive in Ghana this weekend to begin work. His immediate itinerary includes a meeting with local goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in Accra before heading to Europe to assess and consult with other top candidates, including Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang. This move is part of a broader strategy by Coach Queiroz to refine the squad through a series of high-profile friendly matches against Mexico and Wales. These fixtures will serve as a final proving ground for the squad before the tournament begins in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
On the financial front, the national team has received a substantial boost through a successful fundraising campaign. Ibrahim Mahama, CEO of Engineers and Planners, recently contributed $2 million to the Black Stars fundraising account, fulfilling a significant portion of a $5 million pledge made earlier this year. This donation contributed to a total of approximately GHC 27.4 million raised during a recent press briefing, which included GHC 9.54 million from various corporate donors. Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has urged continued support from the private sector to ensure the team is adequately resourced for the global stage. This financial influx is seen as a vital vote of confidence in the team’s potential to succeed despite recent criticisms.
However, not everyone shares this optimistic outlook. Former Ghanaian midfielder and national icon Kwadwo Asamoah has publicly expressed low expectations for the Black Stars, citing inconsistent recent performances as a primary cause for concern. While acknowledging the talent within the squad, Asamoah emphasized the need for the players to demonstrate greater discipline and cohesion under Queiroz’s management. As the June-July 2026 tournament window nears, other regional rivals are also finalizing their plans; Côte d’Ivoire is set to unveil its final squad on May 15, 2026, under coach Emerse Fae. Meanwhile, the global tournament landscape has been further clarified by the announcement that Iran will participate and host its matches in the United States, following approval from US authorities despite diplomatic tensions.
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