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Ghana is intensifying preparations for its fifth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, with Sports Minister Kofi Adams pledging full government support to ensure a stellar performance. The Black Stars have been placed in Group L alongside heavyweight contenders England and Croatia, as well as Panama. The national team is scheduled to kick off its campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, with crucial international friendlies against Mexico and Wales already lined up to sharpen the squad. Despite the daunting group, former Ghana international Augustine Ahinful has expressed confidence that the team can 'harm' England, urging fans to remember Ghana’s historical successes, such as the 2010 quarter-final run, as a benchmark for what is possible under the guidance of head coach Carlos Queiroz.
While optimism remains high in some quarters, other veteran voices are calling for a more cautious and disciplined approach. Former winger Albert Adomah has warned the Black Stars against underestimating any opponent, emphasizing that respect for every team in Group L is vital to avoiding an early exit. This sentiment is echoed by concerns over the team's internal cohesion. Augustine Ahinful recently criticized national team officials for mishandling captaincy transitions, citing recent friction involving players like Andre Ayew and Kudus Mohammed as an unnecessary distraction created by management rather than the players themselves. He emphasized that establishing clear leadership is essential for maintaining harmony during a high-stakes tournament.
Beyond immediate team dynamics, the standard of domestic football has emerged as a significant point of contention. Former star midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has attributed the dwindling number of home-based players in the national squad to the declining standards of the Ghana Premier League (GPL). Asamoah noted that in previous eras, a competitive local league served as a reliable conveyor belt for the Black Stars. However, the latest international call-ups featured only one local player, Benjamin Asare, prompting Asamoah to call for urgent investment and reform within the GPL to ensure the national team can once again draw from a pool of prepared local talent.
Transparency and financial accountability also remain at the forefront of the national conversation. Sports journalist Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known as Countryman Songo, has publicly criticized Minister Kofi Adams for failing to disclose the exact salary of coach Carlos Queiroz. While Adams suggested the figure would not exceed $100,000, Songo argued that a lack of transparency regarding the contract could lead to the same administrative problems that have plagued previous World Cup campaigns. As the Black Stars move forward with their preparations, the balance between ministerial support, expert caution, and the need for structural reform will be critical to Ghana's success on the world stage.
This story touches markets covered on Anansi Intelligence ↗.
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