Kurt Okraku: ‘We’re in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup
- Kurt Okraku praised recent successes of Ghana's national teams.
- Okraku aims for the Black Stars to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
- The team is currently second in their World Cup qualifying group.
Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has praised his administration for its role in enhancing the performance of Ghana’s national teams over the past year. Speaking at the GFA’s 30th Ordinary Congress, Okraku reflected on the significant achievements of the national teams and outlined future goals.
Over the last twelve months, Ghana’s national teams have shown considerable competitiveness. The Black Stars participated in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), demonstrating strong performances. Meanwhile, the Black Queens have made a noteworthy return to the continental stage, marking their first appearance since 2018.
In addition, the Black Princesses and the Black Satellites achieved remarkable success at the 2023 African Games, both securing gold medals. The Black Princesses further distinguished themselves by qualifying for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, showcasing the depth and talent within Ghanaian football.
During his address at the Congress, Okraku highlighted these accomplishments as evidence of progress under his leadership. He emphasized the administration’s ongoing commitment to the Black Stars’ goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. “We have made strides in our national team performances, including qualifications to the WAFCON and the men’s AFCON. At present, we are well-positioned in our quest to qualify for the [2026] World Cup,” he remarked.
Currently, the Black Stars are in a competitive position in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. They are placed second in Group I, level on points with Comoros, who hold the top spot. This positions Ghana in a favorable spot as the qualifiers progress.
Looking ahead, the senior national team will resume their campaign when the 2025 AFCON qualifiers commence next month. Okraku’s remarks underscore the ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s football programs and to build on the successes of the past year, with a clear focus on future international tournaments.