2026 World Cup: Strengthening Black Stars technical team a right decision - George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has praised the federation’s move to bolster the Black Stars’ technical team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The GFA recently expanded the squad’s backroom staff, bringing in five seasoned professionals. French coach Alain Ravera and Black Queens manager Kim Lars Bjorkegren have been appointed as assistant coaches.

Spanish tactician Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso joins to oversee scouting and match analysis, while Carlos Lozano Romero returns as physiotherapist, having served in the same role at the 2022 World Cup.

British-born Ghanaian performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi completes the revamped team.

Afriyie, who formerly chaired the Black Stars Management Committee, welcomed the changes.

"A 20-man technical team for the Black Stars makes sense. We've delayed this modernisation for too long," he told Asempa FM.

"Kim Lars Björkegren in the Black Stars' World Cup technical team is not a bad move. Coaching the Black Queens doesn't make him less qualified," he added.

Following consecutive group-stage exits at previous World Cups, the GFA is determined to ensure Ghana makes a strong impact at the tournament, co-hosted this summer by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. Ghana will kick off its campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and close the group stage with a clash against Croatia on June 27.