Current Black Stars squad can win AFCON and World Cup if they are maintained, says President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence in the future of the Black Stars, insisting that the team can achieve greater success if the current squad is preserved and provided with the necessary support.

The President’s comments follow Ghana’s impressive showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars reached the knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Speaking during an inspection of the Ho Sports Stadium last week, President Mahama praised the team’s performance, noting that they defied expectations after many doubted their chances of progressing beyond the group phase.

"We also need to start preparing for the next World Cup. The Black Stars did well; nobody gave them a chance. People predicted that they would crash out at the Group stage, but they managed to get into the Round of 32," he said.

The President believes maintaining the core of the squad and ensuring stability within the technical setup will be crucial as Ghana aims to compete for major international honours.

He added that continuity could help the team develop into a side capable of winning both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup in future tournaments.

"I am sure that if we keep this team and we persuade the coach to continue to work with the team, by the time of the next AFCON and World Cup, we will have a team that can claim the championship in any of those two competitions," he said.

The Black Stars are now preparing for their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, which begins in September.

Ghana has been drawn in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia as they seek a return to the continental showpiece after missing out on the previous edition.