Former Charles Kwablan Akonnor has expressed strong belief that Ghana national football team have what it takes to navigate their group at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the draw as one that offers real opportunity for progression.
The expanded tournament, set to be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 nations, with Ghana earning one of Africa’s nine automatic qualification slots.
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Drawn in Group L, the Black Stars are set to face Panama, European heavyweights England, and 2018 finalists Croatia. Despite the presence of formidable opposition, Akonnor remains upbeat about Ghana’s chances.
“It’s a manageable group; we can achieve success and qualify for the next stage,” he said.
Now in charge of Gor Mahia, Akonnor also voiced confidence in current head coach Otto Addo, highlighting recent improvements within the technical setup as a major boost ahead of the tournament:
“Our technical team has been strengthened, so they will do a good job. We can go as far as we can depending on our determination and how strategic we are, and ensuring every needed tool is working well.”
Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama before taking on England and Croatia in subsequent group fixtures.
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The upcoming tournament will mark the country’s fifth appearance on football’s grandest stage, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their most memorable run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals, narrowly missing out on a historic semi-final berth.
