“Black Stars Motivated by AFCON Failure, Determined to Reach 2026 World Cup”-Jerome Opoku
Black Stars defender Jerome Opoku has opened up on Ghana’s renewed determination to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that the team’s failure to secure a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has sparked a deeper motivation.
Ghana currently leads Group I of the CAF World Cup qualifiers with 15 points, three ahead of second-placed Comoros, with four matches remaining.
Speaking to Flashscore, Opoku emphasized that missing out on the continental tournament has intensified the team’s resolve.
“We have much bigger motivation now,” Opoku said. “Missing out on the AFCON was a huge disappointment for us, for the fans, and for the whole country. That setback has given us a deeper hunger to make things right by qualifying for the World Cup.”
The centre-back, who played a key role in Ghana’s dominant victory over Madagascar in the last round of qualifiers, believes that the group is more focused than ever.
“I am 200% confident of qualifying,” he stated boldly. “That’s the goal, and we know it won’t come easy. But we’ve regrouped, and we’re determined to give everything to stay on top and get the job done.”
Their next assignments in the qualifiers will be pivotal in maintaining their position at the top of the group and securing one of Africa’s coveted slots at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
