Mohammed Polo calls for greater commitment from Black Stars players after unconvincing performance at 2026 World Cup

Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo has urged the current generation of Black Stars players to show greater commitment, patriotism, and unity whenever they represent the national team.

The former Hearts of Oak winger believes Ghana's campaign at the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America highlighted the team's potential, but a lack of togetherness ultimately undermined their progress.

Polo, a member of Ghana's 1982 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, argued that the Black Stars' encouraging start to the tournament faded because of issues with commitment and chemistry within the squad.

“When they [Black Stars] went to the World Cup, the way they started, everyone was happy, and suddenly they cut it. Why did it cut? It shows that there are some sort of commitment [issues], or some lack of chemistry among the players in camp,” Polo told Asempa FM.

The Ghana football icon also expressed concern over what he believes is the gradual disappearance of the country's traditional style of play.

He attributed the change partly to the dominance of foreign-based players in the national team, insisting the identity and fighting spirit that once defined the Black Stars were missing.

“Even that sort of Ghanaian style of playing isn’t there anymore because almost the majority of our players are foreign-based. Only the goalkeeper. So that sort of character and commitment was lacking,” he added.

Polo stressed that wearing the Black Stars jersey comes with a responsibility that demands sacrifice, insisting that talent alone is not enough to achieve sustained success at the highest level.

Ghana reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010 during their fifth appearance at the tournament. However, their campaign ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September. Ghana has been drawn in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, Gambia, and Somalia as they seek a place at the continental tournament.