The Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku, has declared that the Black Stars will shed their “underdog” tag and compete as equals against the world’s elite at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a high-profile fundraising gala at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Okraku told an audience of corporate leaders and dignitaries, including President John Dramani Mahama, that Ghana is prepared to face global giants with “total confidence”.
Ghana find themselves in a challenging Group L, alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
Despite the pedigree of their European opponents, the GFA chief struck a combative tone.
“We will not go into this tournament as underdogs. We fear no foe,” Okraku stated. “And believe me, when this team lines up against Panama, against England, and against Croatia, Ghana football will speak.”
The event, held on Friday March 20, aimed to secure the financial backing necessary for a successful campaign across North America.
The response from Ghana’s private sector and cultural icons was immediate, with Engineers & Planners and Goldfields Ghana leading the way with significant financial pledges.
The momentum extended to the creative arts, as dancehall superstars Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale also made personal contributions, highlighting the national unity behind the team.
These funds are expected to support the Black Stars’ intensive preparation and logistics as they aim to surpass their historic quarter-final run of 2010.
Ghana will kick off their World Cup journey on June 17, against Panama at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.
While many international pundits view the 1966 winners England and 2018 finalists Croatia as the favourites to progress from Group L, Okraku’s remarks signal a shift in mentality for the four-time African champions.
For a nation that has often thrived when underestimated, the message is clear: the Black Stars are not just going to participate; they are going to compete.
Source: Ekow Segu
