President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has voiced serious concern over the fitness of key Black Stars players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Several crucial members of the squad, including Abu Francis, Mohammed Kudus, and Mohammed Salisu, are currently sidelined with injuries, raising doubts about their availability for the tournament in North America.
Speaking on the sidelines of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Okraku admitted the situation is troubling but remained hopeful about the team’s ability to rise above the challenge.“I know we have some challenges with injuries to key players,” he told Footie Centre.
“When I look at the list, it’s quite worrying, but I derive my positivity from the fact that there is something in the Ghanaian; the indomitable spirit of the Ghanaian will always come up when the chips are so low, and I would want to believe that, with the unity of purpose that has been demonstrated by the entire nation as a result of the arrival of coach Carlos Queiroz, it would arouse extra energy in the Ghanaian player, to the 12th man, and we will find the right level of energy to be competitive,” he added.
Ghana has been drawn in a competitive Group I alongside Panama national team, England national team, and Croatia national team. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23, and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
As part of preparations, the team will engage in friendly matches against Mexico national team and Wales national team, providing an opportunity to assess squad depth and readiness.Coach Queiroz is expected to name his final squad on June 1, a decision that will be closely watched given the current injury concerns within the team.
