GFA sets Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup target at round-of-16

Ghana is making their fifth appearance at the Mundial, with sticks very high for the West African country. They head into the tournament with a new trainer Carlos Queiroz who took over in April, following the sack of Otto Addo, who secured them the qualification.

The four-time Africa champions best-ever performance at the FIFA World Cup was in South Africa 2010, when Black Stars reached the quarter finals of the global showpiece only to be denied a spot in the semi finals by Uruguay through penalty shootouts.

Ahead of the 23rd edition to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico, Executive Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Frederick Acheampong, has revealed that Ghana’s baseline objective at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is to progress beyond the group stage.

With resources set at reaching the round of 16.

According to Acheampong in an interview with Citi Sports stressed that newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz has been clearly briefed on the task ahead, with expectations firmly set on advancing past the group stage.

“Our target is to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We believe Carlos Queiroz understands that objective”.

“At the end of 270 minutes, we have to qualify for the second round,” the 73-year-old stated following Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Wales in a recent international friendly.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. Their final group match will be against Croatia on June 27.

Before the tournament kicks off, the Black Stars will complete their preparations with a closed-door friendly against Honduras on June 9.