Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has praised the “inner fortitude” of the Black Stars after a remarkable turnaround that has seen the team secure its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This accomplishment serves as a significant moment of redemption for the West African side, following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

During an honest television interview, Okraku—who also holds the position of Second Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), acknowledged the pain of the recent continental exclusion. 

In a nation where participation in AFCON is seen as a certainty, the inability to qualify for the 2025 tournament was a bitter blow for supporters.

“AFCON for me is a given,” Okraku remarked. “We have to be there, and if we are not there, that will be the low side of our sport.”

Nevertheless, the GFA President contended that the squad’s capacity to rebound from this regional disappointment to achieve global success reflects the strength of the current setup.

He suggested that the mental resilience required to “reorganise” and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup indicates a squad with a transformed outlook.

“We have been able to organise ourselves, and we have been able to make it to the World Cup. That shows the strength of the team that we have, the mindset and the mentality of the people we have. That we went so low, but then within the same period we have gone so high.”

While the regret of missing the tournament in Morocco lingers, the focus in Ghana has now shifted resolutely towards the world stage.

The Black Stars have been placed in a formidable Group L, where they are set to face Panama, England, and Croatia.

The match against England is anticipated to be a highlight for Ghanaian fans, marking a pivotal encounter between two nations with deep footballing connections.

For Mr. Okraku, this qualification signifies more than just entry into a tournament; it is proof of a federation and a team capable of bouncing back from adversity.

As Ghana gears up to return to football’s most prestigious stage, the narrative has transformed from the “low” of Africa to the “high” of the world.