I badly need Black Stars to qualify for 2026 World Cup, says Sports Minister, Kofi Adams

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams has argued that Ghana’s qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is non-negotiable.

The senior national team will return to international action this week for the first time after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The Black Stars will take on Chad and Madagascar in the Matchday five and six games of the Mundial qualifiers.

Having visited the players on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Minister compared the importance of the qualification to the air that humans breathe.

The Member of Parliament for Buem constituency further assured he will do everything to ensure the Black Stars receive the support needed to beat Chad later this week.

“For the qualification, I need it just like any other person. Qualification is like the air that we breathe. That’s how bad I need it so why you will see me here? In the last few days if you had come here I have been here regularly," he told the media.

"Even yesterday Sunday, I was here. So it should tell you that I want everything in order for this game.

"I need it just as Ghanaians need it. I know the players also need it. The coach has also told me he wants it,” he added.

The Black Stars kicked off their preparations on Monday with an initial training session at the Accra Sports Stadium, attended by nine players.

The remaining squad members are expected to join camp today as they finalize their preparations for the upcoming matches.

The Black Stars will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21 with kick-off scheduled at 19:00 GMT before travelling to play Madagascar in Morocco on Monday, March 24 at the Stade Mimoun Al Arsi.