2026 World Cup: Sports Minister Kofi Adams backs Black Stars to defy odds
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has expressed confidence in Ghana's chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the Black Stars being regarded as underdogs heading into the tournament.
The minister made the remarks during a surprise visit to the Second Chance Church, led by Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah, on Sunday, June 7.
Ghana will be among the 48 nations competing at the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Black Stars are set to make their fifth appearance at football's biggest tournament.
Drawn in Group L, Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia in the first round as they seek to improve on their disappointing campaigns in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022.
Addressing the congregation, Adams acknowledged that Ghana is not among the favourites for the competition but insisted the Black Stars are capable of upsetting some of the tournament's biggest teams.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of David and Goliath, the minister said he believes Ghana can overcome the odds and make a significant impact on the global stage.
"We are amongst the least ranked teams, so they’re not tipping us to go far at the World Cup, but we have come for the symbolic stone David used to destroy Goliath for the Black Stars," he said.
The Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before taking on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. They will conclude their group-stage matches against Croatia on June 27.