Former Ghana international Mohammed Polo has issued a strong call to the Black Stars, urging them to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially with Africa’s expanded nine-team slot.
Speaking passionately about Ghana’s prospects, Polo said it would be unacceptable for the team to miss out, particularly after the painful failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which ended a 20-year streak of AFCON appearances.
“The younger ones must understand that their predecessors left a legacy, and they must continue it,” Polo emphasized.
He stressed the importance of preserving the reputation Ghana has built in global football over the years.
“They have to do everything possible to qualify. What we’ve built over the years is important, and they must not let it crumble,” he added.
Reflecting on Ghana’s historic run to the brink of the semifinals at the 2010 World Cup, Polo urged the current squad to aim higher and strive for more.
“This time, there are nine slots for Africa. There is no reason why Ghana should miss out. We don’t want to see another AFCON failure like what happened in 2025. They must come together and fight for Ghana and for themselves.”
The Black Stars currently sit top of their qualification group with 12 points, holding a three-point lead over Comoros, after back-to-back wins against Chad and Madagascar.
With four matches to go, Polo believes the team must maintain their focus and commitment to book their ticket to the 2026 global showpiece.
