Otto Addo Hails Winfried Schaefer’s Role in Ghana’s World Cup Qualification
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has praised the impact and experience of Technical Director Winfried Schaefer, acknowledging the veteran German’s vital input during Ghana’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Schaefer, renowned for guiding Cameroon to the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations title, joined Ghana’s technical setup earlier this year as a Technical Advisor. Since his appointment, he has been instrumental in providing tactical insights and mentoring the coaching team through key stages of the qualifiers.
Ghana secured their World Cup berth with a 1–0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium, thanks to a decisive strike from Mohammed Kudus, sealing a spot at the global showpiece to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Reflecting on the journey, Addo expressed deep appreciation for Schaefer’s mentorship and collaborative spirit within the technical setup.
“I think we always have good talks,” Addo said. “He explained how he handled the situation with Eto’o and Cameroon, shared stories, and gave advice. We don’t always agree, but these discussions are fruitful. He’s a very good person and was always pushing the team. Like the others, he added something to our victory — but it’s everyone: the physio, the doctors, the medical department, the analysis team, assistant coaches — everybody really worked to the toe.”
Addo’s comments highlight the collective effort behind Ghana’s qualification, emphasizing that success came from teamwork both on and off the pitch. The blend of experience, discipline, and unity within the camp proved decisive in securing the Black Stars’ fifth World Cup appearance.
With qualification now complete, focus turns to preparations for the main tournament. Ghana will find out their group-stage opponents when the official FIFA World Cup draw takes place on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
