‘Ghana will qualify for 2026 World Cup it doesn’t matter who we meet’ – Fred Pappoe

Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association(GFA), Fred Pappoe, is confident the Black Stars will qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup, regardless the obstacle that come their way.

The West African Country is seeking to make their fifth appearance at the World Cup having made their debut appearance in 2006 and failing to appear in Russia 2018. Ghana was amongst the 32 countries at the Asian country, Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup but had a shambolic performance, exiting group stage.

They start their qualification for next Global showpiece again, and has been drawn in Group I and will have to finish beyond Mali, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros, and Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking in an interview, Fred Pappoe believe Ghana will make it again to the Mundial. However, will need to take advantage of the international break to access and strengthen the team for better performance.

According to him, the four-time African champions will make it to Canada, USA and Mexico World Cup no matter which team they face.

“I think we can qualify. It doesn’t matter the opponent we are facing because the game in Africa has now risen.

“Sometimes, we Ghanaians don’t like to accept that the game has been more competitive compared to the past.

“I think the best way we can increase our qualification chances is to make use of the FIFA calendar to prepare adequately because you won’t get time to camp for three or four weeks. You don’t have that chance that thing is no more,” he told Peace FM.

“A match is likely to coincide with the international break or when various leagues have ended just as it is now.

“The only time players can be available for an international assignment is within those times. Even with that, it is for a short stint because they would be released by their clubs for a short time so the coach doesn’t get enough time with them”

He added that, call-up should be handed to players who are performing at the top level as at the time and with that, it will go along way to boost the team’s qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“What we need to do is make sure that if we are calling the 25 or 26 they would be our best at a time they are playing actively in their various teams”

“We won’t have time for the coach to teach them for a set amount of time in order for them to gel effectively. We only need to call our best and approach [the games] with our best,” he added.

Story Kolog Bonaventure