Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku has described the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a defining chapter in his career, calling the experience “an amazing feeling” that will live with him forever.
Speaking to RG, the İstanbul Başakşehir centre-back admitted that the emotions from Ghana’s decisive 1-0 win over the Comoros in Accra earlier this month took time to fully register. The victory secured the nation’s ticket to next year’s global football showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in. But when I was on that pitch, and once the whistle went, I looked around me, I saw everyone’s faces, I saw my family’s faces too, it was just amazing,” Opoku reflected.
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“That’s definitely the biggest achievement so far in my career, 100%. It definitely made me feel like I was a part of something much bigger than just football, because you see how much it means to literally everyone in the country… it was amazing.”
Since making his senior debut earlier this year, the 27-year-old has become a trusted pillar in Otto Addo’s defensive setup. His blend of calmness, aerial dominance, and tactical awareness has made him one of the team’s most reliable figures during the qualification campaign, where he featured in five crucial games.
Opoku also enjoyed a personal milestone when he netted his first international goal against Uganda in a friendly in March, a moment that underlined his growing confidence on the international stage.
Looking ahead, the towering defender believes that Ghana’s qualification represents just the first step in a much larger journey.
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With the Black Stars preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, Opoku says the team is determined to build on the momentum and deliver performances that reflect Ghana’s rich footballing tradition.
