World Cup 2026: Black Stars will shock the world - Isaac Tetteh

Former Accra Hearts of Oak board member, Isaac Tetteh, popularly known as "TT Brothers," has predicted a tournament full of surprises at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Speaking on Metro TV's Sports Show, Tetteh said the expanded global tournament would be one of the most exciting editions in recent history due to the increasing competitiveness of teams across the world.

According to him, the evolution of modern football means traditional powerhouses can no longer take victories for granted against nations previously considered underdogs.

"Football has developed and changed significantly over the years. It should not surprise anyone if some of the big football nations lose to smaller countries. Likewise, some established stars may fail to perform while relatively unknown players emerge as heroes," he said.

Tetteh noted that many smaller football nations now boast world-class talent capable of competing at the highest level, making the tournament more unpredictable than ever.

He attributed the growing competitiveness to technological advancements, scientific improvements and tactical innovations that have transformed the game globally.

The bankroller of Division One League side Pure Joy FC believes Ghana will play a significant role in the tournament's story and is backing the Black Stars to exceed expectations.

"Ghana will surprise at this tournament and people will be shocked," he declared.

Tetteh argued that the Black Stars often thrive when expectations are low, adding that Ghana's placement among lower-ranked teams could work to their advantage.

He also welcomed FIFA's decision to expand the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, a move that has increased Africa's representation to 10 nations.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11 in Mexico, with South Africa facing the host nation in the opening match.

Ghana will begin its campaign on June 17 against Panama in Toronto, before taking on England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia during the group stage.

Meanwhile, FIFA has significantly increased the tournament's prize money, with the eventual champions expected to receive $50 million.