Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has exuded confidence ahead of the Black Stars’ blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter against England, insisting he believes Otto Addo’s men have what it takes to emerge victorious.
The Black Stars head into the highly anticipated Group L clash buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field, where a dramatic late winner from Caleb Yirenkyi secured all three points and provided the perfect launchpad for Ghana’s campaign.
That opening-day success has reignited hopes of a deep World Cup run for the four-time African champions, who are determined to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since their memorable quarterfinal appearance in South Africa in 2010.
With England next on the horizon, attention is already shifting towards one of the most intriguing fixtures of the group stage. The meeting at Gillette Stadium on June 23 carries historical undertones and immense significance for both nations, but Okraku remains unfazed by the challenge posed by the Three Lions.
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Speaking to 3Sports, the GFA chief likened the fixture to some of the fiercest rivalries in Ghanaian and African football, emphasizing that he views it as much more than a conventional World Cup contest.
“I’m not thinking too much about the game against England,” he told 3Sports. “For me, Ghana against England is a derby like Ghana v Nigeria or Hearts of Oak v Kotoko. I’m positive about the outcome.”
England currently occupy top spot in Group L after beginning their World Cup journey with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, while Ghana sit just behind them courtesy of their narrow win over Panama.
The upcoming showdown could prove pivotal in shaping the group’s final standings, with a positive result potentially placing the Black Stars in a commanding position to secure qualification for the knockout phase.
Following their encounter with England, Ghana will wrap up their group-stage schedule against Croatia four days later, hoping to carry momentum from their opening success and continue their quest for World Cup glory on North American soil.
