Former Black Stars Management Committee Chairman George Afriyie has advised Ghanaian supporters to keep their expectations modest as the national team prepares for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana, a four-time African champion, will be making its fifth appearance at the global tournament. The Ghana national football team has been drawn into a challenging group alongside Panama national football team, England national football team, and Croatia national football team.
In recent weeks, the Ghana Football Association has attempted to strengthen the team’s technical department by introducing several new members to the Black Stars’ backroom staff. The move is part of broader preparations aimed at sharpening the team ahead of the tournament.
However, Afriyie, who also served as Vice President of the GFA in the past, cautioned that expanding the technical bench alone should not be mistaken for a guarantee of improved results on the pitch.
“Ghanaians should temper their expectations for the Black Stars at the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM.
“Having more hands on board doesn’t automatically improve the team’s prospects,” Afriyie added.
Among the newly appointed personnel are French tactician Alain Ravera and Kim Lars Bjorkegren, the current Black Queens head coach, who will both serve as assistant coaches. Spanish analyst Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso has been brought in to oversee scouting duties and detailed match analysis.
Meanwhile, physiotherapist Carlos Lozano Romero returns to the national setup after previously working with the team during the 2022 World Cup campaign. British-born Ghanaian performance specialist Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi completes the newly assembled technical unit.
As part of their build-up to the tournament, the Black Stars are expected to regroup in March for a pair of international friendly matches against Austria national football team and Germany national football team.
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Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before taking on England on June 23. Their final group fixture is scheduled for June 27 against Croatia.
