Former Charles Kwablan Akonnor has expressed optimism about Ghana’s prospects at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Black Stars’ group as “manageable” and within their capacity to progress.

The tournament, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a new 48-team format, with Ghana securing one of Africa’s nine automatic qualification slots.

Drawn in Group L, Ghana will face Panama, England, and Croatia—a lineup Akonnor believes offers a realistic pathway to the knockout stages.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former Black Stars coach, now in charge of Gor Mahia, backed the team’s chances of advancing.
“It’s a manageable group; we can achieve success and qualify for the next stage,” he said.

Akonnor also voiced confidence in current head coach Otto Addo, highlighting recent reinforcements to the technical bench as a key boost ahead of the global showpiece.

“Our technical team has been strengthened, so they will do a good job. We can go as far as we can depending on our determination and how strategic we are, and ensuring every needed tool is working well.”

Ghana is scheduled to begin its campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in subsequent group matches.

The 2026 tournament will mark the Black Stars’ fifth appearance at the World Cup, following previous participations in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their strongest run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals, narrowly missing out on a historic semi-final spot.