Black Stars defender Kojo Peprah Oppong has expressed pride after making his FIFA World Cup debut for Ghana, describing the opportunity to represent his country on football’s biggest stage as a memorable milestone despite the team’s early exit.
Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end in the Round of 32 following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Kansas City, ending the Black Stars’ hopes of reaching the latter stages of the tournament.
Peprah Oppong was unavailable for the knockout clash after suffering an injury but played an important role during the group stage, featuring against Panama, England and Croatia as Ghana progressed to the knockout rounds.
Taking to social media after the tournament, the OGC Nice defender reflected on the experience and admitted the team had hoped for a better finish.
“Not the ending we hoped for, but proud to have represented my country on the biggest stage and made my World Cup debut.
“Unfortunately, I picked up an injury along the way, but I’m grateful for every moment and every lesson. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the journey. We’ll be back stronger.”
The defender’s performances during the group stage earned praise as Ghana reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2010, although the Black Stars were unable to overcome Colombia in the Round of 32.
Despite the disappointment of elimination, Peprah Oppong remains optimistic about the future as Ghana prepares for its next major challenge.
The Black Stars will now shift their focus to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they will be aiming to secure a return to the continental tournament after missing the previous edition in Morocco.
Ghana have been drawn in a challenging Group C alongside reigning African champions Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia, with preparations expected to begin in the coming months as the Black Stars seek to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment.
