Manage 2026 World Cup Expectations – Afriyie Tells Ghanaians

George Afriyie

 

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President and ex-Black Stars Management Committee Chairman, George Afriyie, has called on supporters to lower expectations ahead of Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

The four-time African champions will be making their fifth appearance at the global tournament, where they are drawn alongside Panama, England, and Croatia in the group stage.

Despite recent efforts by the GFA to reinforce the Black Stars’ technical bench with five new appointments, Afriyie warned that an expanded backroom staff does not automatically translate into success on the field.

“Ghanaians should temper their expectations for the Black Stars at the World Cup,” he said adding that, “having more hands on board doesn’t automatically improve the team’s prospects.”

The revamped technical team features French coach, Alain Ravera and Black Queens manager, Kim Lars Björkegren, as assistant coaches. Spanish tactician, Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso, has been assigned to bolster scouting and match analysis, while physiotherapist, Carlos Lozano Romero, returns after serving with the squad at the 2022 World Cup. British-born Ghanaian performance coach, Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi completes the new-look setup.

The Black Stars are scheduled to regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany as part of their preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

By Wletsu Ransford

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