‘We Are Here to Fight for the Title’-Kurt Okraku Declares Black Stars’ World Cup Ambition
Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has delivered a bold message ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Black Stars are heading into the tournament with ambitions that extend far beyond participation.
Addressing players, officials and invited guests during a farewell dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, Okraku expressed unwavering confidence in Ghana’s ability to compete with the world’s elite nations.
The GFA chief challenged the team to embrace the moment and approach the competition with belief, despite skepticism from some quarters following Ghana’s recent struggles on the international stage.
“We strongly believe in this team, and we know that we are not here to be counted among the numbers but to compete and fight for the title,” President Okraku said.
His remarks reflected the growing optimism within the Black Stars camp as preparations enter their final phase ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While Ghana enter the competition as outsiders in the eyes of many football observers, Okraku remains convinced that the squad has the character and quality required to make a significant impact.
“This is our time to shine. The stakes are high. A lot of people don’t believe, but I do. I feel energised and very upbeat about our chances in this tournament. We are Ghana, and we shall conquer.”
The Black Stars are aiming to return to the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time since their historic quarter-final appearance in South Africa in 2010.
Drawn in Group L, Ghana face a demanding route to the next stage, with matches against Panama, England and Croatia awaiting Carlos Queiroz’s side.
The campaign begins on June 17 against Panama at BMO Field before a highly anticipated clash with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Ghana will then conclude the group phase against Croatia on June 27.
With confidence continuing to grow within the camp, Okraku’s message has set an ambitious tone for the tournament, reinforcing the belief that the Black Stars are travelling to the World Cup with their sights firmly set on making history.
