Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin believes the Black Stars have what it takes to outperform expectations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if the team receives the right motivation and support.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia for the tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico later this year.
Despite doubts surrounding the team’s chances, Afenyo-Markin remains optimistic that the Black Stars can make a strong impression on the global stage. According to him, Ghana possesses enough talent and quality to compete at the highest level, but success will depend heavily on preparation, incentives, and the overall welfare of the players and technical staff.
Speaking in an interview with TV3, the Effutu Member of Parliament stressed that Ghanaian teams have consistently achieved remarkable results whenever proper structures and motivation were provided.
He explained that when players are adequately motivated and supported, they often rise above expectations and deliver outstanding performances.
Afenyo-Markin also reflected on Ghana’s memorable campaign at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where the Black Stars came close to becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
He recalled the painful quarter-final defeat to Uruguay, a match remembered for Asamoah Gyan’s late penalty miss that denied Ghana a historic place in the last four.
According to him, that tournament proved the immense football potential Ghana possesses and showed that the country can compete with the very best when conditions are favorable.
The Black Stars are set to open their 2026 World Cup journey against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23. They will conclude their group-stage matches against Croatia on June 27.
As part of preparations for the tournament, coach Carlos Queiroz and his squad are expected to play friendly matches against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.
Following disappointing group-stage exits at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Ghana will be hoping for a stronger and more successful campaign this time around.
