2026 World Cup: I am sure Black Stars will qualify for the next round - Godwin Attram

Former Ghana striker Godwin Attram has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can progress beyond the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a difficult build-up to the tournament.

Ghana’s senior national team, Ghana national football team, head into the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico without a win in five preparatory friendlies, raising concerns about form ahead of the global showpiece.

Still, Attram believes the recent appointment of experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz could prove decisive in changing the team’s fortunes at the tournament.

“The FA did well to appoint him, and we hope that whatever the country wants, he will deliver,” Attram told Graphic Sports.

Despite Ghana being drawn into a challenging Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, the former striker dismissed fears about the team’s chances.

“Why not?” he replied.

“At the end of the day, it’s just football, and if we prepare ourselves very well, in tune with whatever the players must do, I’m very sure we will qualify out of the group," he added.

Ghana will step up preparations with a friendly against Wales on June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Black Stars will be making their fifth World Cup appearance and are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, having suffered group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022.

Queiroz has already named a provisional 28-man squad, with the final selection expected to be announced on June 1.

Ghana begin their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.