Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku says the Black Stars are in the United States to compete and fight for the title as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.
Speaking at a farewell dinner for the team at the Hilton Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku told hundreds of Ghanaians in the diaspora that he is very upbeat about Ghana’s chances in Group L.
“We strongly believe in this team, and we know that we are not here to be counted among the numbers but to compete and fight for the title,” President Okraku said.
The CAF 2nd Vice President praised the squad’s quality and mentality ahead of Ghana’s opener against Panama in Toronto on June 17.
‘This is our time to shine’
“I strongly believe in these players and, over time, they have proven that they have the quality, the talent, the hunger and the desire to make Ghana proud.”
With doubts surrounding the Black Stars after recent tournaments, President Okraku struck a defiant tone.
“This is our time to shine. The stakes are high. A lot of people don’t believe me, but I do. I feel energized and very upbeat about our chances in this tournament. We are Ghana, and we shall conquer.”
The farewell event was attended by the Mayor of Alexandria, Alyia Gaskins, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Black Stars Head Coach Carlos Queiroz, and the full playing body.
President Okraku thanked the Ghanaian community for their support: “Thank you for your show of love towards the team. We are ready to battle for glory.”
Ghana have since arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, to continue preparations before facing Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L.
Ghana with three massive games
Speaking on behalf of the players, Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew urged Ghanaians to keep praying for the team as they head into what he described as three massive games at the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We have three massive games for us, and we want to make you guys proud, we want to make Ghana proud,” Ayew said.
The former Swansea City and Crystal Palace forward admitted the group stage will be challenging but backed the team to succeed with the nation behind them.
“Obviously, it’s not going to be easy, but with your prayers and your support, hopefully we’ll be successful.”
Ayew, set to lead Ghana at his third FIFA World Cup, said the players are fully aware of expectations back home.
“We want to thank everyone for your support and keep on praying for us because we’re here to make history,” he added.
The Black Stars wrapped up their training camp in Washington and have since arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, to finalize preparations.
Ghana opens its World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on Tuesday, June 17, before taking on England and Croatia.
Ayew is the most experienced member of Carlos Queiroz’s 26-man squad and will lead the team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
