The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association GFA Henry Asante Twum has expressed strong optimism that the Black Stars can replicate and possibly surpass their historic 2010 FIFA World Cup performance when the 2026 tournament kicks off across the United States Canada and Mexico.
Ghana remains the only African nation to have reached the quarter finals of a FIFA World Cup achieving that remarkable feat at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. With the next edition expanding to 48 teams and hosted across three countries Asante Twum believes the stage is once again set for the Black Stars to make history.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L where they will face Panama England and Croatia in what is expected to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
Speaking in an interview with Akoma FM the GFA Communications Director stated that Ghana’s immediate goal is to progress beyond the group stage while maintaining ambitions of reaching the latter stages of the competition.
“Our target for the World Cup is to qualify from the group stage and be competitive. We want to fight we have the quality and we believe we can match our quarter final appearance and possibly go even further” he said.
Renewed confidence after Qatar disappointment
Ghana returned to the World Cup at the 2022 tournament in Qatar after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia. Despite high expectations the Black Stars were eliminated in the group stage following mixed performances.
The early exit generated disappointment among football fans but Asante Twum insists valuable lessons were learned from the experience and those lessons are shaping preparations for the 2026 tournament.
According to him the GFA has conducted a comprehensive review of the Qatar campaign identifying areas that require improvement both on and off the pitch.
“The experience from Qatar has helped us understand what must change” he explained. “We have taken steps to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.”
Strengthening the technical team
One of the major steps taken by the Football Association according to Asante Twum has been the strengthening of the Black Stars technical department.
He confirmed that head coach Otto Addo has requested additional technical personnel to support his work and the GFA is currently in the process of finalizing those appointments.
“Following the Qatar 2022 World Cup we strengthened the technical team. The coach has requested some new additions and the FA is currently working on them.”
However he clarified that the identities of the individuals being considered cannot yet be made public due to contractual obligations with their current employers.
“The individuals involved are under contract with their respective organizations which makes it difficult to disclose their names at this time” he added.
The GFA believes the enhanced technical structure will improve tactical planning player development opposition analysis and match day decision making all critical elements for success at the highest level.
Clear roadmap towards 2026
As preparations intensify Asante Twum outlined a clear timeline leading up to the tournament.
He disclosed that details regarding the Black Stars camping base and logistical arrangements will be officially announced in the first week of February. This will include training venues accommodation plans and travel schedules.
The provisional squad for the tournament is expected to be released in April allowing the technical team sufficient time to assess player fitness form and availability.
The final squad according to FIFA regulations will be named by June 1 just weeks before Ghana’s opening match.
“Details of the Black Stars camping base and logistical arrangements will be announced in the first week of February. The provisional squad is expected in April with the final squad to be named on June 1” he confirmed.
Group stage fixtures confirmed
Ghana’s 2026 World Cup journey will officially begin on June 17 when the Black Stars face Panama in Toronto Canada. The match is expected to set the tone for the team’s campaign.
They will then travel to the United States to face England in Boston a fixture likely to attract massive global attention given the history between both sides including their dramatic encounters at previous World Cups.
The Black Stars will conclude their group stage matches against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia a game that could prove decisive in determining qualification to the knockout rounds.
Football analysts have described Group L as balanced but challenging with all four nations possessing the quality to advance.
Growing belief among fans
As Ghana prepares for its fifth World Cup appearance optimism is gradually building among supporters at home and abroad. Many believe the current generation of players blending experienced internationals with emerging young talent has the depth to compete strongly on the global stage.
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup also provides African teams with increased opportunities with more qualification slots and greater exposure.
For the GFA however the focus remains firmly on preparation discipline and unity.
“We believe in this team” Asante Twum emphasized. “With proper planning commitment and support from Ghanaians everywhere the Black Stars can make the nation proud once again.”
As the countdown to 2026 continues expectations are high and the Black Stars are determined to rise to the occasion.
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