2026 World Cup: I am confident Black Stars can surprise England - GFA president Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can overcome England in their next Group L clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His comments follow Ghana’s narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match on Wednesday night at the BMO Field, where Caleb Yirenkyi struck late to seal all three points for the four-time African champions.

The result puts Ghana second in Group L, behind England, who began their campaign with a 4–2 win over Croatia.

Looking ahead to the high-profile encounter against the Three Lions on June 23 at Gillette Stadium, Okraku struck a positive tone while downplaying the pressure of the fixture.

"I'm not thinking too much about the game against England," he told 3Sports.

"For me, Ghana against England is a derby like Ghana v Nigeria or Hearts of Oak v Kotoko.

"I'm positive about the outcome," Mr Okraku added.

Ghana will conclude their group-stage campaign against Croatia four days after the England match, with the team aiming to maintain momentum and secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable 2010 quarter-final run.