Otto Addo keeps calm as Black Stars prepare for World Cup challenge

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is maintaining a calm and disciplined approach as Ghana intensify preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L.

Qualification Success

• Ghana secured their ticket to North America with an impressive qualifying campaign, going unbeaten under Addo’s leadership.


• The team’s only group loss came earlier under former coach Chris Hughton, before Addo took charge and steadied the side.

“We didn’t lose a single official qualifying game. We did very well. We just played one draw and the rest we won, so we had quite a good year in 2025, after a bad year in 2024.”

Group L Challenge

• Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before meeting England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
• Addo acknowledged the threat posed by the European heavyweights but stressed equal respect for all opponents:

Team Spirit & Chemistry

• Addo highlighted the unity and youthful energy within his squad as a key factor heading into the tournament.
• The blend of emerging talents and experienced leaders has created strong chemistry, which he believes will be crucial in navigating the group stage.

The Road Ahead

With the expanded format allowing three teams from each group to progress to the round of 32, Ghana’s hopes rest on their discipline, confidence, and determination. Addo’s calm leadership sets the tone for a campaign built on belief and collective strength.

This approach reflects Ghana’s intent to balance humility with ambition, as they aim to recapture the spirit of past World Cup successes and write a new chapter in 2026.