The recently hired members of the Black Stars’ technical team will not be paid on a monthly basis, according to Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) added five new members to the senior national team’s backroom staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jose Daniel Martnez Alfonso has joined the team as the analyst, and Alain Ravera and Kim Lars Bjørrkegren have been appointed assistant coaches. Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi, a performance coach, and Carlos Lozano Romero, a psychologist, round out the group.

Adams, who also represents the Buem Constituency in Parliament, emphasized in an interview with Citi Sports that although the new employees will not receive wages, they will be entitled for appearance fees, per diems, and allowances throughout the competition.

“None of them will be on any salary. None of them is on a salary, but they will benefit from some of the allowances that are paid to the team, and these additions are just for the World Cup,” he said.

“After the World Cup, the contract arrangement ends, so they will benefit from some money, including maybe the appearance fees that are paid, but they will not get 100% of their appearance fees.

“Of course, they will also benefit from the winning bonuses that are entitled to any member of the team when they win, and then, of course, the per diems that are paid to team members, they will be entitled to.

“They will be entitled to other services that are rendered to every member of the team, but they are not on salaries. Alain is not on a salary. Kim will not be on a monthly salary other than the salary he takes as the coach of the Black Queens. That’s all he’s going to be taking, but he will benefit from some allowances, so we’re not paying any of these additions any salary,” Adams added.

Ghana, appearing at their fifth World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will kick off their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude group play against Croatia on June 27.

After early exits in the group stages of the 2014 and 2022 tournaments in Brazil and Qatar, the four-time African champions are determined to advance further this summer.

A growing financial issue over the venue that will host Ghana’s second World Cup group match against England may result in the match’s cancellation.

According to the UK publication The Mirror, FIFA faces the daunting possibility of moving seven games away from Gillette Stadium just four months before the tournament starts.

The New England Patriots and New England Revolution’s home field will host a number of World Cup games, including the match between Ghana and England.

It will also host Norway’s encounter against France, Scotland’s first two World Cup matches against Haiti and Morocco, and a matchup with Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname. In addition, the stadium is scheduled to host a quarterfinal and a Round of 32 match.

The municipality of Foxborough, however, has threatened to refuse to issue the required entertainment license until its security expenses are pre-paid.

Despite being about 22 miles southwest of the city and part of the Boston metropolitan area, FIFA’s sponsorship rules require that the stadium be referred to as “Boston Stadium” during the competition.

The dispute came into sharp focus during a town meeting on Tuesday night between members of the Foxborough Select Board and FIFA representatives.

Director of venue operations Kevin Clark and Boston 2026 host committee president Mike Loynd were questioned by board members.

Board chair Bill Yukna asked Loynd: “Is FIFA, who is going to be the licensee, are they in the end responsible if nothing else comes through on this?”

Loynd replied: “That’s sort of a broad question.”

Board member Mark Elfman responded: “It’s really not.”

Elfman added as quoted by the Mirror: “I gotta be honest with you, it baffles my mind that you guys are sitting here in front of me right now and how we still have no idea where this money’s coming from.” At the centre of the disagreement is an estimated $7.8 million in security funding.

Foxborough officials insist the amount must be guaranteed upfront, making it clear they will not risk taxpayers’ money on the promise of reimbursement.

Vice chair Stephanie McGowan stated firmly:
“We’re not prepared to issue this license unless everything is in place. I’m gonna tell you, this board will not issue this license.”

She further questioned: “How does anybody expect that we would do this for someone who’s coming into our town for 39 days, making all these demands, and then you guys are gonna go away. Then once there is no Boston26 … well, who are we gonna sue?”

Despite the hardline position, Yukna indicated that a resolution remains possible.

“We want nothing more than to be able to just sign on the dotted line and know that when the events start, our problems aren’t about the money.”

Ghana is Group L and will play England on June 23, 2026, in Boston.

Prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Black Stars will play their third international friendly against Mexico.

Before facing Germany in their second friendly on March 30 in Stuttgart, Ghana will play Austria on March 27 at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.

The game against Mexico is scheduled on May 22 at an unspecified location in the North American country.

The game will be used by both nations to better evaluate their teams in preparation for the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

The time frame described above coincides with the end of most European leagues, such as the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga, which end on May 24.

Therefore, according to the FA, the team would be “made up of players from the domestic league [in Ghana], some U-23 players,” and “European leagues that [Black Stars coach Otto Addo] watches.”

Ghana and Mexico last played a friendly in October 2023, losing 2-0 to the Black Stars, who under head coach Chris Hughton were unable to muster a shot on goal.

Mexico will kick off their campaign against South Africa on June 11 before facing either South Korea, Czech Republic, Denmark, Republic of Ireland, or North Macedonia in the other Group A matches.

The Black Stars, meanwhile, will play Panama on June 17 before facing Croatia and England in Group L.

It is anticipated that Ghana will play “two other unnamed opponents” prior to the World Cup.

Black Stars Technical Advisor Winfried Schäfer has shed light on the crucial behind-the-scenes contribution he made to Ghana’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking in an interview with Medeamaa FM, the experienced German coach explained that his impact went far beyond tactics and matchday instructions. According to Schäfer, building unity, maintaining strong communication, and prioritizing player welfare were central to the team’s achievement.

Drawing on his years of coaching experience, Schäfer revealed that he closely observed the team’s daily routines, from training sessions to shared meals, to better understand the players and the overall team dynamic.

Winfried Schäfer emphasized the importance of personal interaction, noting that he engaged both senior players such as Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew, as well as younger members of the squad. Beyond football discussions, Schäfer made it a point to understand players on a personal level, asking about their families and club situations to foster trust and openness within the camp.

Another key focus was maintaining a healthy relationship between the national team and players’ respective clubs. Schäfer highlighted the need to ensure that players returned to their clubs fit and injury-free after international duty, acknowledging that club coaches expect their players to come back in top condition.

He also pointed to improvements in training facilities and matchday environments as important elements that boosted player performance. According to him, providing quality pitches and a professional setup created the right atmosphere for success.

Equally significant was the positive spirit within the squad. Schäfer described a united group filled with confidence, laughter, and determination. He stressed that the team approached matches with a winning mentality rather than a fear of defeat — a mindset he believes made a major difference.

The veteran tactician further underlined the importance of squad depth, praising not only the starting lineup but also the players on the bench for their full commitment to the team’s objective.

Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stands as a major accomplishment, and Schäfer’s reflections highlight the strong structure, discipline, and unity that fueled the Black Stars’ successful campaign.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the appointment of five experienced professionals to reinforce the Black Stars’ technical setup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The strategic move, carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, is aimed at improving Ghana’s competitiveness and ensuring a well-structured technical team as preparations intensify for the tournament, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

French coach Alain Ravera has been appointed Assistant Coach. Ravera brings international experience, having previously worked with the Guinea national team and French top-flight side AS Monaco.

He will work alongside Kim Lars Björkegren, Head Coach of the Black Queens, who has also been named Assistant Coach. The Swedish tactician guided the Black Queens to a bronze medal at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and has secured qualification for the 2026 WAFCON.

To boost scouting, match preparation and performance analysis, the GFA has added Spanish tactician José Daniel Martínez Alfonso to the technical team. Martínez Alfonso currently serves as an assistant coach and video analyst with Major League Soccer club Atlanta FC.

The medical department has been reinforced with the return of Carlos Lozano Romero as Team Physiotherapist. Lozano previously worked with the Black Stars during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ensuring continuity and familiarity with the team’s environment.

Completing the new appointments is British-born Ghanaian performance expert Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi, who takes up the role of Performance Coach. His duties will focus on physical conditioning, player optimisation and overall performance management throughout the World Cup campaign.

The GFA confirmed that the appointments are exclusively for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in line with its long-standing tradition of expanding the Black Stars’ technical team for major international tournaments.

All five professionals will work alongside the existing technical staff led by Head Coach Otto Addo, as Ghana steps up preparations with the goal of making a strong impact on the world stage.

John Paintsil, the Black Stars’ assistant coach, has hinted that there will be surprises when Ghana’s 2026 World Cup team is revealed.

This summer, the senior national team will represent the United States, Canada, and Mexico in a tournament.

Paintsil has indicated that both domestic and foreign players are being considered for selection, with the tournament’s final squad anticipated to be announced on June 1.

“For the Black Stars’ World Cup team, we are concentrating on both domestic and foreign players. There will be many surprises, but all Ghanaians who are eligible to play are welcome. Paintsil informed Asempa FM.

As part of their preparations, the team will regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany.

Ghana has been drawn into Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will kick off their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, face England in Boston, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Having exited at the group stage in their previous World Cup appearances in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, the Black Stars are determined to make a stronger showing on football’s biggest stage in 2026.

Black Stars to Face Austria in International Friendly on March 27 Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, will take on Austria in an international friendly on March 27, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match will be Ghana’s second fixture in the March international break, following an earlier scheduled friendly against Germany, making the window a crucial phase in the Black Stars’ World Cup build-up.

The friendly encounter forms part of Ghana’s broader preparations for the global showpiece, with head coach Otto Addo expected to use the match to assess his squad, test tactical options, and fine-tune team chemistry ahead of the tournament.

Facing European opposition such as Austria will provide the Black Stars with a valuable benchmark as they prepare for the World Cup. The game will also offer fringe players and new call-ups an opportunity to impress and stake a claim for a place in the final World Cup squad.

Further details regarding the venue and kick-off time are expected to be announced in due course.

With preparations intensifying, Ghana will be keen to maximize the March international window as they continue their push toward a strong showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Ghana Black Stars are aiming for at least a quarter-final finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum.

Speaking ahead of the expanded tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Asante Twum expressed confidence that Ghana can replicate — and possibly surpass — their historic 2010 World Cup quarter-final run in South Africa.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia in what promises to be a highly competitive group stage.

The Black Stars made their return to the World Cup at Qatar 2022 after missing the 2018 edition in Russia, but exited the tournament at the group stage. Despite that disappointment, Asante Twum believes the team has grown stronger and is better prepared for the challenges ahead in 2026.

“Our target for the World Cup is to qualify from the group stage and be competitive,” he said in an interview with Akoma FM.
“We want to fight, we have the quality, and we believe we can match our quarter-final appearance — and possibly go even further.”

The GFA official also revealed that the Black Stars’ technical team has been strengthened following the Qatar 2022 World Cup. According to him, head coach Otto Addo has requested additional personnel, and the Football Association is currently working to finalize those arrangements.

“After the Qatar World Cup, we strengthened the technical team. The coach requested some new additions, and the FA is working on them,” Asante Twum explained.
“However, the individuals involved are under contract with their respective employers, so it is difficult to disclose names at this time.”

He further disclosed that key logistical details ahead of the tournament will soon be made public. Information regarding the team’s camping base and preparations is expected in the first week of February, while the provisional squad will be announced in April. The final squad is scheduled to be confirmed by June 1.

Ghana will open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before taking on England in Boston. The Black Stars will conclude the group stage with a clash against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

With renewed optimism, technical reinforcements, and clear ambitions, the Black Stars are positioning themselves for a strong showing as they chase another memorable World Cup run on football’s biggest stage.

Renowned Ghanaian prophet Nigel Gaisie has prophesied that the Black Stars will reach the final of the 2026 World Cup.

Ghana, four-time African champions, will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.

Speaking during the 31st Service at his Prophetic Hill Church, Gaisie confidently stated, “The Black Stars will reach the final of the 2026 World Cup.”

Ghana will kick off their group-stage campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston, and wrapping up against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

After early exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, the Black Stars will be eager to make a stronger impact in the expanded 48-team tournament.

As part of Black Stars’ preparations for the World Cup, they will face Germany in an international friendly game on March 30 in Stuttgart.

Otto Addo will reveal his final Black Stars team for the 2026 World Cup on June 1, according to Henry Asante Twum, Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

For the competition, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer, Ghana has been placed in Group I with Panama, England, and Croatia.

Asante Twum stated on Asempa FM that all eligible teams are required to reveal their provisional lineup on April 11 and that the tournament’s final squad must be revealed on June 1.

“All qualified teams, including the Black Stars of Ghana, are mandated by FIFA to announce their provisional squad on April 11, 2026. The final squads for the tournament must be announced before midnight on June 1, 2026.”

Asante Twum further said that every Ghanaian player who is playing and competing will have a chance to earn a call-up ahead of the tournament.

“Every Ghanaian player with a strong performance is closely monitored by the technical team, and regardless of where they play, they will be given a call-up.”

Ghana’s campaign will start on June 17 in Toronto against Panama, and on June 23 they will fly to Boston to play England.

On June 27 in Philadelphia, the Black Stars will play their last group game against Croatia.

After participating in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions, Ghana will make its fifth appearance on the largest football platform. Their most notable run was their thrilling quarterfinal finish in South Africa in 2010.