What You Need to Know
Ghana’s national football team coach, Otto Addo, remains optimistic about the Black Stars’ prospects in the 2026 World Cup despite being placed in a challenging group with England, Croatia, and Panama. He believes that a strong start against Panama could set a positive tone for the tournament, emphasizing the team’s readiness to face the challenge head-on.
Africa. Ghana’s national football team coach, Otto Addo, asserts that the Black Stars have every reason to remain confident after being drawn into Group L of the 2026 World Cup alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
Speaking shortly after the draw in Washington, Addo acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but assured that advancing to the knockout stage is within their reach.
“It’s a tough group, but it’s manageable. Honestly, there are worse groups,” he stated. “I am happy, especially for our supporters on the East Coast of the United States, who will be able to see us play. Just for that, I am really pleased.”
Ghana will begin its campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by matches against England and Croatia. Addo believes that a strong start could shift the momentum in their favor.
“Especially if we start well against Panama, then we can build on that,” he added.
His message reflects a balance between caution and ambition. The Black Stars return to the World Cup after a solid qualification campaign, but the group includes two European heavyweights accustomed to major competitions.
The new expanded format of the World Cup offers more chances for qualification, as three teams from each group can reach the new 32-team bracket. Addo insists that Ghana must embrace the challenge without hesitation.
The Ghana national football team, known as the Black Stars, has a rich history in international football, having qualified for the FIFA World Cup multiple times. Their best performance came in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals. The upcoming 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format, allowing more teams to qualify, which could benefit Ghana as they aim to advance past the group stage. The team’s recent qualification campaign has shown promise, and they are eager to make an impact on the world stage once again.
