President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has expressed strong confidence in the Black Queens’ ability to qualify for and compete at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, following the official draw for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde for the continental showpiece, which will be hosted in Morocco. The Black Queens will be based in Fes for the group stage of the tournament.
Under the competition format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, with the four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Speaking after the draw, Okraku underlined his belief in the quality of Ghana’s squad and technical setup, insisting the team has what it takes to return to the global stage with the right backing.
“We want to be at the World Cup, and I believe the Black Queens have the qualities to be there. We have the right technical team to support the girls, and the government is ready to support them,” Okraku said.
The GFA president also played down concerns over pressure, stressing that mental strength and response to challenges will be key during the tournament.
“Pressure is everywhere. What is important is how you react to situations. The head coach is very experienced and capable of guiding the girls, and I have no doubt that we will compete and make it to the World Cup,” he added.
With renewed confidence, improved rankings and a clear pathway to global qualification, the Black Queens head into WAFCON 2026 determined not only to challenge Africa’s best but also to end their long wait for a return to the Women’s World Cup stage.
