Former Ghana striker Godwin Attram has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can progress beyond the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite concerns surrounding the team’s recent form.
Ghana head into the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico without a win in their last five preparatory friendlies, a run that has raised questions about the team’s readiness ahead of football’s biggest football stage.
However, Attram believes the appointment of experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz could prove crucial in transforming the fortunes of the Black Stars.
“The FA did well to appoint him, and we hope that whatever the country wants, he will deliver,” Attram told Graphic Sports.
Despite Ghana being drawn in a difficult Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team, the former striker remains optimistic about the team’s chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
“Why not?” he said confidently.
“At the end of the day, it’s just football, and if we prepare ourselves very well, in tune with whatever the players must do, I’m very sure we will qualify out of the group.”
The Black Stars are expected to continue their preparations with an international friendly against Wales national football team on June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and will hope to reach the knockout stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010. The Black Stars suffered group-stage exits in both the 2014 and 2022 tournaments.
Queiroz has already named a provisional 28-man squad, with the final team expected to be confirmed before the start of the competition.
The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
