2026 World Cup: Black Stars will fight and compete for the title, says GFA boss Kurt Okraku

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has declared that the Black Stars are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup not as participants, but as genuine contenders for the trophy.

Speaking at a farewell dinner for the team at the Hilton Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday, Okraku expressed strong belief in the squad’s potential and ambition on the global stage.

“We strongly believe in this team, and we know that we are not here to be counted among the numbers but to compete and fight for the title,” President Okraku said.

In a defiant message amid public scepticism following recent tournament disappointments, Okraku insisted Ghana has the quality and mindset to surprise many in North America.

“This is our time to shine. The stakes are high. A lot of people don’t believe, but I do. I feel energised and very upbeat about our chances in this tournament. We are Ghana, and we shall conquer.”

The Black Stars are targeting a return to the knockout stages for the first time since 2010 and have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before taking on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Their final group match comes against Croatia on June 27.

The team has since arrived in Rhode Island, where they will be based throughout the tournament.