Afenyo-Markin backs Black Stars to defy odds at 2026 World Cup
The Minority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says the Black Stars have the potential to exceed expectations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if players and officials are adequately motivated.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Despite cautious expectations surrounding the Black Stars ahead of the competition, Mr Afenyo-Markin believes the national team possesses the quality and talent needed to make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking to TV3 Ghana, the Effutu Member of Parliament stressed that Ghana’s success at the tournament would largely depend on preparation, motivation and the incentives provided to both players and the technical team.
“They need to be properly motivated. The incentives that are supposed to be in place must be in place. When a Ghanaian team is properly composed and well motivated, they go beyond expectations,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also reflected on Ghana’s historic run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where the Black Stars came close to becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Ghana reached the quarter-finals before suffering a painful exit to Uruguay after Asamoah Gyan missed a decisive penalty in extra time.
“Ghana has great potential when it comes to football. We know what we did in South Africa, where we crossed the round of 16 stage and were almost there. But for the penalty miss by Asamoah Gyan, we would have reached the semi-finals,” he added.
The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on 17 June before facing England on 23 June. They will conclude the group stage with a match against Croatia on 27 June.
Coach Carlos Queiroz and his side are expected to intensify preparations with international friendlies against Mexico later this month and Wales on 2 June.
After suffering group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups in Brazil and Qatar respectively, Ghana will be hoping for a stronger showing in North America.
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