Ghana vs England is ‘like Hearts of Oak against Kotoko’ – GFA President Kurt Okraku

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 20, 2026

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has described Ghana’s upcoming FIFA World Cup clash with England as the equivalent of a local derby, insisting that such matches often defy expectations regardless of the teams’ form.

The Black Stars face the Three Lions on Tuesday in Boston in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Both teams began their campaigns with victories. England produced an impressive 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, while Ghana secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto.

Although England enter the contest as favourites, Okraku remains confident that Ghana can rise to the occasion.

“I’m not thinking too much about the game against England,” Okraku told 3Sports. “For me, Ghana against England is a derby like Ghana against Nigeria or Hearts of Oak against Kotoko. I’m positive about the outcome.”

The GFA president believes the occasion transcends rankings and recent form, likening it to one of Ghana’s fiercest football rivalries, where anything can happen once the match begins.

Victory for either side would secure qualification for the last 32 of the expanded 48-team World Cup being hosted across North America.

The Black Stars are aiming to progress beyond the group stage after disappointing exits in their previous two World Cup appearances.

Ghana are also expected to receive a timely boost with the return of deputy captain Thomas Partey. The former Arsenal midfielder missed the opening match against Panama after being denied entry into Canada due to a pending court case in the United Kingdom.

Partey is now available for selection and is expected to feature against England in Boston, providing a significant lift to Otto Addo’s side as they prepare for one of their biggest tests of the tournament.