GHANA coach, Otto Addo, believes that their opening match against Panama will be crucial to the Black Stars’ chances at the 2026 World Cup.
The Black Stars of Ghana begin their campaign on June 17 in Toronto before facing England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27, 2026.
“It’s very important that we don’t underrate any team. England are favourites in the group, but for me every game is special,” Otto Addo told the Ghana Football Association website.
The coach stressed the need for a strong start. “I’m hoping we have a good start against Panama – that will be very, very crucial. It will make the other games a little more relaxed and easier for the players psychologically,” he said, adding that Ghana would use the March international window for warm-up matches.
Meanwhile, some fans at Keta in the Volta Region have expressed optimism about the Black Stars’ chances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite being drawn into a tough Group with England, Croatia, and Panama.
The fans believed that the team has the talent, potential and experience to perform beyond expectations.
Mr Leonado Kwakutsey Fogbey, a football analyst, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the Black Stars’ squad was among the most talented in Africa with a mix of youthful energy and seasoned campaigners.
He, however, noted that not everyone was convinced about the previous performance of the coach, especially after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Mr Fogbey, who is also a strong Black Stars fan, said that England, Croatia, and Panama would present a challenge, but remained convinced that the team’s past successes, including their quarterfinal run in 2010, was clear evidence that they could make a deep run in the 2026 tournament. –GNA
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