Ghana’s Black Stars have been nominated for the CAF Men’s National Team of the Year award after their impressive performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The four-time African champions are among 10 national teams shortlisted for the prestigious accolade, with their run to the Round of 16 earning recognition from the Confederation of African Football.
Ghana enjoyed a memorable World Cup campaign, collecting four points in a difficult Group L that included England, Croatia and Panama. The Black Stars opened the tournament with a victory over Panama before producing a disciplined display to earn a goalless draw against England.
Although Ghana suffered a narrow defeat to Croatia in their final group match, the results were enough to secure a place in the knockout stage, marking the country’s first appearance in the last 16 of the World Cup since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
The Black Stars’ impressive journey ended in the Round of 16 following a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to Colombia, but their performances throughout the competition have now been recognised with a nomination for one of African football’s top team awards.
Despite the recognition, Ghana’s inclusion is likely to spark debate due to the team’s disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars are bottom of Group C after back-to-back defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, results that led to the resignation of head coach Carlos Queiroz and the appointment of an interim technical team led by Kim Lars Björkegren.
The contrast between Ghana’s impressive World Cup performances and their struggles in AFCON qualifying has divided opinion, although CAF’s assessment period takes into account performances across multiple competitions.
The initial shortlist comprises the 10 African nations that participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the final nominees to be announced ahead of the CAF Awards ceremony.
The winners of the 2026 CAF Awards will be unveiled on December 7 in Lagos, Nigeria, where the continent’s outstanding players, coaches and national teams will be honoured.
