Otto Addo Describes Ghana’s Fifth World Cup Qualification as Collective Triumph
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has described Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a “big achievement”, emphasizing that the milestone belongs to the entire nation rather than to him alone.
The feat marks Ghana’s fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage and their fifth qualification in the last six editions — a testament to the country’s consistency and growth in international football.
Ghana sealed their place at the tournament with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium, courtesy of a second-half strike from Mohammed Kudus in the 47th minute. The result saw the Black Stars finish top of Group I, securing automatic qualification to North America 2026.
For Otto Addo, the qualification carried extra significance. The former Borussia Dortmund coach has now become the first manager in Ghana’s history to guide the team to two consecutive World Cup tournaments — having also led them to Qatar 2022.
“For me, personally, surely it’s [qualifying to the World Cup twice in a row] a big achievement,” Addo said after the game. “But to be honest, I think more about us.”
The coach highlighted that the achievement reflects the hard work, unity, and determination of everyone involved — from players and technical staff to fans and administrators.
“It’s good for us, for everyone, for every Ghanaian. It’s good for the players, not only for me, so this is the most important thing,” he added.
The Black Stars’ qualification drew widespread praise across the football community, including a congratulatory message from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who commended Ghana for their passion and contribution to world football.
For Ghana, the journey to the 2026 World Cup — to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — represents both a continuation of their proud legacy and a fresh opportunity to showcase their footballing brilliance on the global stage.
As Otto Addo and his men celebrate another historic milestone, the focus now shifts toward preparation, with hopes high that Ghana can once again light up the tournament just as they did during their unforgettable 2010 quarter-final run in South Africa.
