2026 World Cup: We are here to fight for the title – GFA President Kurt Okraku to Black Stars
Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has declared that the Black Stars are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with ambitions of winning the tournament, insisting the team is not travelling merely to make up the numbers.
Speaking at a farewell dinner for the national team at the Hilton Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday, Okraku expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to compete with the world’s elite and challenge for football’s biggest prize.
“We strongly believe in this team, and we know that we are not here to be counted among the numbers but to compete and fight for the title,” he told players, officials and invited guests.
The GFA president’s comments come amid lingering doubts among some supporters following Ghana’s recent performances at major tournaments. However, Okraku struck an optimistic tone, urging the nation to believe in the team’s potential.
“This is our time to shine. The stakes are high. A lot of people don’t believe, but I do,” he said.
“I feel energised and very upbeat about our chances in this tournament. We are Ghana, and we shall conquer.”
The Black Stars are aiming to progress beyond the group stage of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2010.
Drawn in a difficult Group L, Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia in the opening phase of the competition.
Their campaign begins against Panama on 17 June at BMO Field before a high-profile clash with England at Gillette Stadium on 23 June. The Black Stars will then conclude their group-stage fixtures against Croatia on 27 June.
The squad has since arrived in Rhode Island, where it will be based throughout the tournament as preparations intensify ahead of the opening match.
With expectations building and confidence high within the camp, Ghana will be hoping to translate belief into results on football’s grandest stage.
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