World Cup 2026: Ghana coach Otto Addo reacts to group draw

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has reacted to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final draw at the John F Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts in Washington DC on Friday.

The Black Stars are drawn against England, Croatia and Panama in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking shortly after the draw in Washington, Addo acknowledged the scale of the challenge but insisted the path to the knockout phase is achievable.

Otto Addo confident of Ghana’s qualification

“It’s a tough group, it’s doable. There are worse groups, to be honest. I’m happy, especially for our fans on the East Coast of the USA, that they will be able to see us. Also, for this I’m very happy.”

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on 17 June before meetings with England and Croatia. Addo believes a positive start could shift momentum in Ghana’s favour.

“Especially if we have a good start against Panama, from there we can continue. Maybe from another perspective, or from England’s perspective, or Croatia’s perspective, to do.

Ghana’s best performance at the World Cup was a quarter final place finish at the 2010 edition in South Africa after reaching the last 16 in their maiden appearance in Germany 2006.

He four time African champions failed to qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia before suffering first round exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022.