2026 World cup: I want all our players to be fit - Black Stars assistant coach Paintsil
26th February 2026
Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil has underlined the importance of having Ghana’s key players fully fit as the Black Stars intensify preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With less than four months until the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico, concerns remain over the fitness of several influential members of the squad.
Midfielder Mohammed Kudus is currently sidelined with injury, while Francis Abu and defender Mohammed Salisu are also expected to miss the competition due to various ailments. There was, however, positive news regarding Abdul Mumin, who has completed his recovery from a long-term setback.
Head coach Otto Addo is due to announce his final squad on 1 June, with anticipation steadily building among supporters. For Paintsil, Ghana’s hopes of making a deep run at the tournament will depend heavily on the physical readiness of their core players.
“When it comes to the World Cup, Ghana is experienced. We have been to the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010,” he told 3Sports.
“Coming into this World Cup, expectations are very high. I want all our players to be fit so they’ll be ready for the call-up,” added Paintsil, who represented Ghana at the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L, where they will face Panama on 17 June, before taking on England six days later. Their final group-stage match will be against Croatia on 27 June.
As part of their build-up, the Black Stars will regroup in March for friendly matches against Austria and Germany, before a final test against Mexico in May.
For Ghana, the ambition is clear. But as Paintsil emphasises, ambition alone will not be enough, fitness, depth and timing could ultimately determine how far the Black Stars can go.