2026 WAFCON: We want to qualify for the World Cup, says Ghana coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has declared that Ghana’s primary objective at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ghana’s senior women’s national team are currently in Morocco preparing for their opening Group A fixture against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Wednesday evening at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
Ahead of the crucial encounter, Björkegren reflected on the team’s progress since claiming a bronze medal at the previous edition of the continental championship, highlighting the improvement made through playing against top-level opposition.
The Swedish tactician praised the team’s development over the past year, citing their victory over Russia and their competitive display against England in a friendly encounter despite suffering defeat.
“We were happy with the bronze medal in the previous WAFCON, and we have improved over the year, having played elite opponents. We beat Russia, and we played well against England in December even though we lost,” the Swedish trainer said.
The Black Queens coach outlined a three-step plan for the tournament, with World Cup qualification serving as a major target.
According to Björkegren, Ghana must first navigate their way out of the group stage before pushing for a semifinal berth, which would guarantee a place at next year’s global tournament in Brazil.
“We have three targets; one is to qualify out of the group, the second, which is important, is to reach the semis to qualify for the World Cup, and if we make that, then we have to go all the way to win WAFCON.
“So I have seen everything in three steps, but we will do everything with confidence and respect for our opponents,” he added.