Kofi Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, has admitted that Black Stars are not yet fully prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing a leadership gap within the team’s technical setup.
Speaking in an interview, the Buem MP pointed to the absence of a substantive head coach following the departure of Otto Addo in March, describing it as a major challenge as preparations continue.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has since intensified efforts to appoint a replacement, with experienced managers such as Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento and Fernando Santos reportedly under consideration.
Despite the setback, the Minister expressed confidence that the team will be ready in time for the tournament.
“We’re not fully ready yet for the World Cup. We don’t even have a head coach, but I see us being ready by the time we play our first game,” he told Citi Sports.
The new coach is expected to be appointed ahead of Ghana’s pre-tournament friendlies against the Mexico national football team in May and the Wales national football team on June 2—fixtures that will serve as key dress rehearsals.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside the Panama national football team, England national football team and Croatia national football team. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
The team will be aiming to improve on recent World Cup performances, having exited at the group stage in both 2014 and 2022.
