Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori congratulates Black Stars after World Cup qualification

Ghana international Richard Ofori has sent a congratulatory message to the Black Stars after securing qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

The West African football heavyweights confirmed their spot for the global showpiece last Sunday, inflicting a narrow win over Comoros to finish on top of Group I.

However, Ofori, who plies his trade for South African side, AmaZulu FC has commended the team for securing fifth World Cup spot for the country in an intense qualifying series.

“It’s a good thing qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Congratulations to the Black Stars and the country at large. It wasn’t an easy journey, the qualifiers were hectic. The Black Stars have done an amazing job and needs to be commended” he told iDiski Times.

“We look forward to a good preparation for the tournament. We need to prepare well and face the challenges ahead. The World Cup is a big stage for every Ghanaian player who will show up. It is going to be an exciting World Cup”

Ghana finished on top of Group I, accumulating 25 points from 10 matches, followed by Madagascar (19 points), with Mali finishing third spot (18 points). Comoros placed fourth with 15 points, whereas Central African Republic finished fifth on the table with 8 points.

Meanwhile, Chad emerged as the weakest team in Group I, securing just a point from 10 matches.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, giving Africa a record nine automatic slots.

Having secured their fifth World Cup qualification, the Black Stars will be hoping to make a meaningful impact at the mundial next year.

Ghana secured their first World Cup qualification in 2006 and has since established themselves as a strong force at the mundial, making quarterfinal appearance at the 2010 edition in South Africa.

Since their maiden World Cup appearance in 2006, the Black Stars has only missed one tournament (2018 in Russia), having competed in 2006, 2010, 2014 and in 2022.