Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has delivered an ambitious message of intent ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the Black Stars are not in the tournament merely to participate, but to compete for the ultimate prize.
Speaking at a farewell dinner for the national team at the Hilton Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday, Okraku expressed strong belief in the squad’s potential despite lingering doubts about their recent international performances.
“We strongly believe in this team, and we know that we are not here to be counted among the numbers but to compete and fight for the title,” Okraku said.
He struck an even more defiant tone as he rallied support for the team ahead of the global showpiece.
“This is our time to shine. The stakes are high. A lot of people don’t believe, but I do. I feel energised and very upbeat about our chances in this tournament. We are Ghana, and we shall conquer,” he added.
The Black Stars are targeting a place beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010 and have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Their final group match will be against Croatia on June 27.
The team has since arrived in Rhode Island, which will serve as their base for the tournament.
