Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Frederick Acheampong, has revealed that Ghana’s baseline objective at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is to progress beyond the group stage.
The Black Stars, who are aiming to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Acheampong stressed that newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz has been clearly briefed on the task ahead.
“Our target is to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We believe Carlos Queiroz understands that objective,” he said.
Queiroz, who took charge in April after the departure of Otto Addo in March, has also publicly reinforced Ghana’s ambition of advancing from the group phase.
“At the end of 270 minutes, we have to qualify for the second round,” the 73-year-old stated following Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Wales in a recent international friendly.
Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. Their final group match will be against Croatia on June 27.
Before the tournament kicks off, the Black Stars will complete their preparations with a closed-door friendly against Honduras on June 9.
