2026 World Cup: Black Stars are determined to rewrite Ghana's story - Kurt Okraku
President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has expressed confidence in the Black Stars' readiness and determination ahead of Ghana's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama on Wednesday.
Speaking during a visit by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to the team's hotel in Toronto on Tuesday, Okraku said the players and technical staff were fully focused on making a strong statement at the tournament.
According to the GFA president, the squad is eager to chart a new course for Ghana on football's biggest stage.
“One thing is very clear: these boys here, led by captain Jordan Ayew, are extremely determined to rewrite our story,” President Okraku said.
“The 26-plus players that you see here and the technical team are ready. Tomorrow is the day they've been waiting for. Tomorrow is the day they've been preparing for.”
Okraku highlighted the enormous expectations that come with representing Ghana, noting the deep connection between the national team and its supporters across the country.
“We say in Ghana we have 30 million-plus people. And I can tell you, Your Excellency, for a fact that we have 30 million-plus coaches in Ghana. And we also have 30 million-plus supporters, fans of this team called the Black Stars,” he said.
"This is how important this team is to Ghanaians. And our players here, our technical team led by Coach Carlos Queiroz, are fully aware of the expectations of the country to play well."
The GFA president added that the team's World Cup journey would truly begin when they step onto the pitch at BMO Field, carrying the hopes of the nation.
“Tomorrow will be the day they walk through that tunnel onto the green turf to fight for glory for Mother Ghana.”
Ghana's clash against Panama at BMO Field has generated considerable anticipation as the four-time African champions seek a winning start to their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.
Following the Panama encounter, the Black Stars will face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their Group L campaign against Croatia on June 27. Ghana will be aiming to secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.