Sports
Ghana Can Dare to Dream
Football is widely regarded as a sport where teamwork, not always individual brilliance, leads to success. This principle likely underpins the notable confidence expressed by Ghanaian soccer fans following the draw for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
So, despite the not-so-impressive performance of the Black Stars, Ghanaians remain optimistic about the team’s chances.
Last Friday’s draw pitched the Black Stars against England, Croatia, and Panama in a group that has been described in several ways. Some say it is manageable; others believe it is a tricky group, while for some, it represents Ghana’s easiest group compared to previous World Cups attended.
In sampling the views of some soccer fans, one retorted: “This is the best group in our World Cup history. England is no match. We may draw with Croatia and beat Panama. We are the favourites in the group.”
At that point, I conceded the lack of the “technical, or perhaps spiritual, eyes” that allow some fans to reach such confident conclusions about the Black Stars’ prospects.
Taking a closer look at the group, England are, without doubt, the strongest on paper with a fourth-place ranking in the latest FIFA rankings. Croatia follows in 10th position, Panama in 30th, and the Black Stars in 72nd position.
These statistics and several other factors make the fans’ overwhelming confidence appear untenable, and it would be wise to join those urging Team Ghana to tread with caution.
Comparatively, England comes to the table with the strongest team not just by virtue of their ranking. They also boast a squad featuring players from top clubs across the globe. Top performers like Jordan Pickford, Reece James, Marc Guehi, Alexander Trent-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, and others can be identified with the Three Lions.
The Croatians also boast world-class players such as Dominik Livaković, Joško Gvardiol, Luka Modrić, Nikola Vlašić, Andrej Kramarić, Ivan Perišić, Toni Fruk, and many others.
Ghana, however, comes with a talented squad that will depend more on teamwork rather than individual brilliance, which the aforementioned teams could boast of.
With all things working together for the good of the Black Stars, Coach Otto Addo will have the luxury of calling on Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Benjamin Asare, Mohammed Kudus, Kwesi Sibo, and other emerging talents.
For Panama, they have a virtually unknown squad with players plying their trade in some respectable leagues. In their final qualifier, they featured Marseille right-back Michael Amir Murillo, Norwich City center-back Jose Cordoba, Slovan Bratislava defender Cesar Blackman, Las Palmas midfielder Edward Cedeno, Pumas UNAM playmaker Adalberto Carrasquilla, and San Diego midfielder Anibal Godoy.
Panama comes as the biggest beneficiary of the CONCACAF decision to host the World Cup, granting three automatic qualifications to the USA, Canada, and Mexico. But this does not make them automatic minnows, as many fans might want to believe.
It would be unrealistic to assume that the Black Stars have the men to outshine England or Croatia based purely on individual talents. But since football thrives on teamwork, Panama—and just like Ghana—can dare to dream against the big boys in the group and rewrite their World Cup history.
By Andrew Nortey
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Sports
GFA President engages Maryland State Leadership as GFA intensifies 2026 World Cup preparations
President of the Football Association and 2nd Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has paid a working visit to the Office of the Governor of the State of Maryland as part of ongoing high-level engagements ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
During the visit, the President held productive discussions with the Honourable Aruna Miller, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Maryland, and Chief of Staff Geri Royals Byrd. The meeting explored areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration aimed at supporting Ghana’s participation in the global showpiece, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The engagement forms part of the GFA President’s broader diplomatic and institutional outreach in the United States, focused on strengthening partnerships that will enhance operational planning, logistics, fan engagement and overall support for the Black Stars during the tournament. President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of early coordination with key stakeholders across host cities and states to ensure a seamless experience for the team and Ghanaian supporters.
With Ghana drawn in Group L, the Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto, before facing England in Boston and concluding the group stage with a clash against Croatia in Philadelphia.
The multi-city schedule presents unique logistical demands, underscoring the need for strong institutional collaboration and strategic planning.
President Simeon-Okraku, who has been holding a series of meetings with strategic partners across the United States, reiterated the Football Association’s commitment to delivering a well-organised and memorable World Cup campaign for the team.
He noted that these engagements are critical to advancing Ghana’s interests, projecting a positive national image and ensuring that the Black Stars are adequately supported on and off the pitch.
The GFA will continue to build alliances that will contribute to a successful and impactful 2026 FIFA World Cup experience for Ghana.
Black Galaxies head coach Kasim Mingle Ocansey has expressed confidence ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against South Africa, insisting his side will provide a stern test for Bafana Bafana.
Speaking in a pre-match interview, Ocansey noted that the encounter presents a valuable opportunity for the Black Galaxies to demonstrate their quality, while stressing that his team is not under pressure.
“This game is an opportunity for the Black Galaxies to prove that they are a very good side. I’m happy to have this friendly, but my team is not under any pressure. We believe in building, and that is exactly what I am doing,” he said.
The Black Galaxies will face South Africa at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 pm Ghana time.
