Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku says he is confident the Black Stars are heading in the right direction despite their early exit from the 2026 World Cup.
The four-time African champions reached the knockout stage of the tournament, held in the USA, Canada and Mexico, before losing 1-0 to Colombia in the Round of 32.
Ghana began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama, followed by a goalless draw with England. They then suffered a 2-1 defeat by Croatia in their final group match.
Speaking at the GFA’s 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Mr Okraku praised the team’s performance and said there were positive signs for the future.
“The Black Stars demonstrated resilience and promise at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico,” he said.
“Advancing to the second round after a commendable performance against some of the world’s strongest teams before going out against Colombia.
“Although we had hopes of progressing further, the tournament provided encouraging signs that the team is moving in the right direction.”
Mr Okraku also highlighted Ghana’s improvement in the world rankings, saying the Black Stars had risen from the lowest-ranked team at the start of the tournament to 24th at its conclusion.
“From being the least-ranked team before the start of the tournament to the 24th-ranked team at the end speaks volumes of the promise in this team,” he added.
The Black Stars’ appearance in the knockout stage was their first at a World Cup since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.
Carlos Queiroz’s side will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September.
