2026 World cup: GFA President Okraku backs Black Stars to shine again
19th February 2026
The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has expressed confidence in the future of the Black Stars, insisting their early exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup should not overshadow the promise shown by the young squad.
Ghana returned to the global stage in Qatar after missing out on the 2018 tournament in Russia. However, their campaign ended at the group phase following a narrow defeat to Portugal national football team, a thrilling 3-2 victory over South Korea national football team, and a decisive loss to Uruguay national football team, which saw them finish bottom of their group.
Reflecting on the tournament in an interview with Asaase Radio, Mr Okraku said expectations had been low even before qualification was secured.
“Before the 2022 World Cup, nobody gave Ghana a chance of qualifying, but against all odds, the team did it,” he said. “At that time, the squad was very young, and against the trust and belief of everybody, we stood firm, believed in our way, and won the battle against Nigeria to reach the World Cup.
“We did not qualify from the group phase, but we left Qatar with our heads held high because we saw the youngest team at the tournament, and they put up an amazing performance. In the second group game against South Korea, we played well, and that gave us hope for the future.”
Looking ahead, the Black Stars are preparing for what will be their fifth World Cup appearance, with this summer’s tournament set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia in what promises to be a stern test.
Despite the challenges ahead, Okraku’s message is one of belief, that the lessons from Qatar and the growth of a youthful squad could yet mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ghana on football’s biggest stage.