Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President Fred Pappoe believes the Black Stars must aim to progress beyond the group stage to consider their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup a success.
Ghana face a demanding task in Group L, where they have been drawn against Panama, England, and Croatia, making qualification for the knockout phase highly competitive.
The four-time African champions are determined to improve on their performances at the 2014 and 2022 editions of the World Cup, where they exited at the group stage. In Pappoe’s view, the expanded format of the tournament makes progression to the next round a realistic and necessary target.
“I will consider success if Ghana is able to go the next round of the World Cup, and with how the tournament has been structured, a win will see us through to the next round,” he told Sporty FM.
Ghana will kick off their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
As part of preparations, head coach Carlos Queiroz will lead the team in friendly matches against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.The final squad for the tournament is expected to be announced on June 1.













