2026 World Cup: Black Stars playing in Round of 32 not an achievement - George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has challenged Kurt Okraku’s assessment of Ghana’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that reaching the Round of 32 should not be celebrated as a significant achievement.

The Black Stars progressed beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010 before suffering elimination in the Round of 32.

Following Ghana’s exit from the tournament, GFA President Kurt Okraku described the team’s campaign as one that exceeded expectations, insisting that advancing to the knockout stage was an accomplishment.

However, speaking on Adom TV, Afriyie expressed surprise at Okraku’s comments, insisting that Ghana’s national team should be judged against higher standards.

“I was shocked when I listened to the FA president [Kurt Okraku] saying we have done well,” he said.

The former GFA vice president questioned why the country’s football leadership considers qualification from the group stage and reaching the Round of 32 as a major milestone.

“Why do we have an FA president [Kurt Okraku] who thinks that qualifying out of the group to the round of 32 is an achievement? I’m so shocked,” he added.

Afriyie also criticised Okraku’s readiness when he took charge of the GFA, suggesting that the association’s president needed more experience and time to understand football administration before assuming the top role.

“He was a fresher. He needed to take his time to go through the ranks to learn. I think he thought that he had arrived, but he wasn’t.”

Ghana’s World Cup journey marked the team’s first appearance in the knockout stage since the 2010 tournament in South Africa. The Black Stars will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which begin in September.

The four-time African champions have been drawn in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia.