President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has voiced unease over the fitness of several key Black Stars players as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana’s build-up to the tournament has been clouded by injury setbacks to influential figures, including Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, and Abu Francis. The trio are currently sidelined with significant issues, raising doubts about their availability for the global showpiece in North America.
Okraku, who was attending the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, admitted the situation is far from ideal, though he remains optimistic about the team’s ability to cope.
“I know we have some challenges with injuries to key players,” he told Footie Centre.
“When I look at the list, it’s quite worrying, but I derive my positivity from the fact that there is something in the Ghanaian; the indomitable spirit of the Ghanaian will always come up when the chips are so low, and I would want to believe that, with the unity of purpose that has been demonstrated by the entire nation as a result of the arrival of coach Carlos Queiroz, it would arouse extra energy in the Ghanaian player, to the 12th man, and we will find the right level of energy to be competitive,” he added.
Under the guidance of head coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana have been drawn into a demanding Group I alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
The Black Stars will kick off their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23. Their group-stage journey concludes with a clash against Croatia on June 27.
As part of their final preparations, Ghana are scheduled to play high-profile friendlies against Mexico national football team later this month, and Wales national football team on June 2.
Queiroz is expected to unveil his final squad on June 1, a crucial announcement that will shape Ghana’s hopes of navigating a challenging group despite current injury concerns.
