Black Stars Not Yet Fully Ready for 2026 World Cup – Kofi Adams
Coaching Void Raises Concerns as Ghana Races to Prepare for Global Tournament
- Kofi Adams admits the Black Stars are not fully ready for the 2026 World Cup.
- The team is without a head coach following the departure of Otto Addo, with a replacement yet to be named
- Despite setbacks, authorities remain confident Ghana will be ready before their opening match.
Kofi Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, has acknowledged that Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, are not fully prepared for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, pointing to a leadership void within the technical team.
In an interview, the Buem MP highlighted the absence of a substantive head coach following the exit of Otto Addo in March, describing it as a significant setback to the team’s preparations.
The Ghana Football Association is currently stepping up efforts to appoint a new manager, with experienced coaches like Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento, and Fernando Santos reportedly being considered.
Despite the current challenges, Adams remains optimistic about the team’s readiness before the tournament begins.
“We are not fully ready for the World Cup yet. We don’t even have a head coach, but I believe we will be ready by our first match,” he stated in an interview with Citi Sports.
A new head coach is expected to be appointed ahead of Ghana’s preparatory friendlies against the Mexico national football team in May and the Wales national football team on June 2.
Ghana has been placed in Group L alongside the Panama national football team, England national football team, and the Croatia national football team. The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
The team will be looking to bounce back from recent World Cup disappointments, having been eliminated at the group stage in both the 2014 and 2022 tournaments.
