2026 World Cup: Government backs push for elite coach as Black Stars search intensifies

The Government of Ghana has signaled its readiness to support the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in securing a highly experienced and top-rated coach for the Black Stars, following the dismissal of Otto Addo.

The decision to part ways with Addo comes after a disappointing set of results in the March international window, where Ghana suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria in Vienna before falling 2-1 to Germany in Stuttgart as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following the poor run, the GFA confirmed the 50-year-old’s exit, with President Kurt Okraku revealing that over 600 coaches have already submitted applications for the vacant role. A new head coach is expected to be appointed within the next two weeks.

Among the notable names linked to the job are Kwesi Appiah, Walid Regragui, Pitso Mosimane, Tom Saintfiet and Hervé Renard.

Reliable sources indicate that the government, through the Sports Ministry, is prepared to invest in securing a coach with proven pedigree, stressing the need for a leader capable of delivering results at the highest level ahead of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Okraku has emphasized the GFA’s intention to appoint a coach with a strong track record and the ability to inspire confidence within the squad.

“We want to move forward, and I think that the ExCo is well placed to bring in the next one [coach]. Hopefully, this next one will be the one that will give everyone the confidence,” he stated.

“[He] will be the person with the good record of having managed at the club level and hopefully at the national team level, would be someone who has won trophies and generally would be someone who will bring confidence to the changing room.

“The players will look up to that person and say this guy has done it before and he knows what he is talking about.”

The Black Stars are expected to regroup in May and June for friendly matches against Mexico and Wales as part of their final preparations for the World Cup.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia when the tournament kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.