Otto Addo praises technical director Winfried Schaefer’s contribution to Black Stars’ World Cup qualification

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has credited Black Stars Technical Director Winfried Schaefer for his invaluable guidance during the team’s successful 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Schaefer, who led Cameroon to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2000, was appointed Technical Advisor of the Black Stars earlier this year and played a role in shaping the squad’s strategies. Ghana secured their spot in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a 1-0 win over Comoros on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

“I think we always have good talks,” Addo said. “He explained how he handled the situation with Eto’o and Cameroon, shared stories, and gave advice. We don’t always agree, but these discussions are fruitful. He’s a very good person and was always pushing the team. Like the others, he added something to our victory - but it’s everyone: the physio, the doctors, the medical department, the analysis team, assistant coaches - everybody really worked to the toe.”

Addo’s remarks underline the collaborative approach behind Ghana’s campaign, highlighting the combined efforts of the technical staff and players that propelled the Black Stars to back-to-back World Cup appearances.

Ghana will learn their group opponents on December 5, 2025, when the World Cup draw is held in Washington, D.C.