2026 World Cup: Injuries to key Black Stars players worrying, says GFA president Kurt Okraku

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has acknowledged growing concern over injuries to key Black Stars players as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Abu Francis, Mohammed Kudus, and Mohammed Salisu are all currently recovering from injuries, casting doubt over their availability for the global tournament scheduled for this summer.

Speaking on the sidelines of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver over the weekend, Okraku admitted the situation is worrying but insisted he remains confident in the team’s ability to cope.

“I know we have some challenges with injuries to key players," he told Footie Centre.

He further expressed optimism that national unity and the influence of new head coach Carlos Queiroz would inspire the team to rise to the occasion.

"When I look at the list, it's quite worrying, but I derive my positivity from the fact that there is something in the Ghanaian; the indomitable spirit of the Ghanaian will always come up when the chips are so low, and I would want to believe that, with the unity of purpose that has been demonstrated by the entire nation as a result of the arrival of coach Carlos Queiroz, it would arouse extra energy in the Ghanaian player, to the 12th man, and we will find the right level of energy to be competitive," he added.

Ghana have been drawn in Group I alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23, and concluding their group matches against Croatia on June 27.

Ahead of the tournament, Queiroz’s side will step up preparations with international friendlies against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.

The Portuguese coach is expected to announce his final squad on June 1.