2026 World Cup: Let's continue to be together and be as a team - Kofi Adams tells Black Stars after elimination

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has urged the Black Stars to remain united following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 defeat by Colombia in the Round of 32.

Ghana's campaign came to an end in Kansas City after Jhon Arias scored the game's only goal in the 14th minute to send the South American side into the last 16.

Addressing the players and technical team after the match, Adams praised their commitment and the work that had gone into Ghana's campaign.

"Let's continue to be together and be as a team," the Buem MP said.

He also commended the coaching staff for their preparations throughout the tournament.

"The technical team, we thank you for the huge work and investment done. We know the sleepless nights that you have to analyse many, many videos to develop a strategy. We don't take this for granted."

Although disappointed by the result, Adams said the team's performances showed signs of progress despite falling short of their ambition to advance further.

"Our wish was to have continued. In a game of football, no matter how many minutes you play, whether it is 90 minutes, 120 minutes, one team will have to win — whether it is through penalties or what. Fortunately, or unfortunately for us, the decision was within the 90 minutes."

The minister thanked the players for their efforts and urged them to focus on the next challenge, with qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations now the team's immediate objective.

"We are grateful for your time and everything. I think that everybody sees that we have taken a good step and we are moving forward. We will work together and see how we can journey on our next immediate journey."

He concluded with a message of unity, saying: "Put it in your minds, let all of us respond to the course. Let's listen and take this. We are a team; we win together and lose together."

The defeat brought Ghana's World Cup campaign to an end after the Black Stars reached the knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa. They advanced from Group L before being eliminated at the first knockout round by Colombia.