"We will crush all of them" – Kurt Okraku backs Black Stars for World Cup success

Posted by Enoch Nyamson

4 hours ago

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars' chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring that the team has what it takes to overcome every opponent in the group stage.

The four-time African champions are preparing for their fifth appearance at the global showpiece and will compete in a challenging Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Despite facing two European heavyweights and an ambitious Panama side, Okraku believes Ghana is ready to rise to the occasion.

Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in the United States ahead of the tournament, the GFA President struck an optimistic tone as excitement continues to build around the national team.

“We have three opponents at this World Cup: Panama, England and Croatia. We will crush all of them,” Okraku said, drawing cheers from supporters gathered at the event.

His comments reflect the growing belief within Ghana's camp as the Black Stars put the final touches on their preparations before the tournament gets underway. The team has been training in the United States and is expected to arrive in Canada later today ahead of their opening fixture.

Ghana enters the competition determined to make a deeper run than in their previous two World Cup appearances. The Black Stars were eliminated in the group stage at both the 2014 tournament in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar, results that left many supporters longing for a return to the team's glory days on the world stage.

The campaign begins on Wednesday when Ghana faces Panama at BMO Field in Toronto. The Black Stars will then take on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their group-stage matches against Croatia on June 27.

With confidence high and expectations rising, Ghanaians across the globe will be hoping the Black Stars can back up Okraku's bold words with equally impressive performances on the pitch and secure a place in the knockout rounds.