Akonnor backs Ghana to succeed at FIFA World Cup

Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has tipped Ghana national team to go beyond the group stages at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars will participate in the global showpiece that will take place from June 11th to July 19th, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities – 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

The tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, and the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from 32.

Ghana have to beat Panama

“It’s a manageable group, we can achieve success and qualify for the next stage,” said Akonnor when asked about Ghana’s group, which includes England, Panama and Croatia.

“Our technical team has been strengthened, so they will do a good job. We can go as far as we can depending on our determination and how strategic we are, and ensuring every needed tool is working well.”

He added: “Our first match is very important. We have to beat Panama; it’s a must-win. We must not underrate them.

“We will respect England and Croatia, but there is no way we should underrate Panama. If we win that match and get three points, it will be key to our success.”

Ghana’s fifth appearance on biggest stage

Ghana qualified for their fifth FIFA World Cup in 2026, featuring in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia. Scheduled to compete in North America, Ghana’s matches include facing Panama on June 17 in Toronto, England on June 23 in Boston, and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

The Black Stars qualified for the global showpiece for the second successive tournament and will be aiming to match their peak performance at South Africa 2010, where they reached the quarter-finals.

This will be Ghana’s fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage, with coach Otto Addo taking the reins once more. After failing to get past the group stage at Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Ghana are determined to recapture former glories and reach the knockout rounds.