Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has applauded head coach Otto Addo for masterminding the Black Stars’ qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After the heartbreak of failing to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana’s first absence from the continental showpiece in more than 20 years, Addo inspired a remarkable turnaround. Under his guidance, the Black Stars finished atop Group I with 25 points to seal an automatic ticket to the World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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Speaking to Citi FM following the qualification, Mr. Adams acknowledged the coach’s tactical brilliance and resilience, while also reflecting on a past comment that didn’t sit well with Addo.
“He’s done his bit, he’s done well, and we give him credit. Despite the criticism of some of his decisions, which I sometimes share, he’s come through as a coach who has been quite lucky,” Adams said.
“Even Otto Addo himself, he wasn’t happy that I described his situation as… as lucky,” he added.
Addo’s achievement places him in a unique position in Ghanaian football history. He becomes the first man to guide the Black Stars to back-to-back World Cups, having also overseen their qualification for the 2022 edition in Qatar during his initial tenure.
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The focus now shifts to December 5, when Ghana will discover their group-stage opponents in the official World Cup draw, a moment that promises to chart the next chapter in Addo’s impressive redemption story.
