President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Simeon-Okraku, has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking in an interview with GHOne TV, the GFA boss said the national team had regained its confidence following back-to-back victories over Chad (5-0) and Madagascar (3-0) in the recent qualifiers. 

He emphasised that the team, under the leadership of the Head Coach, Otto Addo, had learned from past disappointments, especially the failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"I think that the confidence of the team is on the rise. I believe the technical team led by Otto has learned big lessons,” Simeon-Okraku said.

“With the full support of the technical staff, I am confident that qualification to the World Cup is within reach,” he added.

Simeon-Okraku further praised the efforts of the technical team, including Winfried Schaefer, Desmond Ofei, and other staff members, praising their commitment to going the extra mile to ensure Ghana would secure a spot at the global tournament.

"The technical team is working hard and ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that we do not miss out on the World Cup," he added.

Simeon-Okraku, who doubles as CAF’s second Vice-President, also called for national unity and support for the Black Stars, noting the overwhelming encouragement Ghanaians demonstrated during the last international window contributed significantly to boosting the morale of the team.

He urged the public to replicate and even amplify their support during the next set of qualifiers in September.

“All the team needs now is the support of Ghanaians. The support during the last window was fantastic, and I believe it will be even stronger in September,” he said.

Turning his attention to the local league, the GFA President acknowledged improvements in pitch quality and stadium conditions across the country. However, he cited seasonal weather challenges and water scarcity as ongoing issues affecting pitch maintenance.

"Our stadia and pitches have improved a lot. The Club Licensing Department has pushed for excellence. However, during the dry season, inadequate water poses a major challenge," he noted.

He stressed the need for more investment in stadium infrastructure and a stronger maintenance culture, noting that while progress had been made, there was still room for improvement.

Simeon-Okraku also mentioned the GFA's ongoing support for women’s football, pointing to increased investment in the Women’s Premier League and youth football.

“Today, 80 to 90 per cent of Black Queens players ply their trade abroad, thanks to the visibility created through the broadcast of their games,” he stated.

He also mentioned free coaching opportunities for women and the inclusion of girls in football academies established across various regions in the country.

He emphasised that the team, under the leadership of the Head Coach, Otto Addo, had learned from past disappointments, especially the failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"I think that the confidence of the team is on the rise. I believe the technical team led by Otto has learned big lessons,” Simeon-Okraku said. 

“With the full support of the technical staff, I am confident that qualification to the World Cup is within reach,” he added.

Simeon-Okraku further praised the efforts of the technical team, including Winfried Schaefer, Desmond Ofei, and other staff members, praising their commitment to going the extra mile to ensure Ghana would secure a spot at the global tournament.

"The technical team is working hard and ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that we do not miss out on the World Cup," he added.

Simeon-Okraku, who doubles as CAF’s second Vice-President, also called for national unity and support for the Black Stars, noting the overwhelming encouragement Ghanaians demonstrated during the last international window contributed significantly to boosting the morale of the team.

He urged the public to replicate and even amplify their support during the next set of qualifiers in September.

“All the team needs now is the support of Ghanaians. The support during the last window was fantastic, and I believe it will be even stronger in September,” he said.

Turning his attention to the local league, the GFA President acknowledged improvements in pitch quality and stadium conditions across the country. However, he cited seasonal weather challenges and water scarcity as ongoing issues affecting pitch maintenance.

"Our stadia and pitches have improved a lot. The Club Licensing Department has pushed for excellence. However, during the dry season, inadequate water poses a major challenge," he noted.

He stressed the need for more investment in stadium infrastructure and a stronger maintenance culture, noting that while progress had been made, there was still room for improvement.

Simeon-Okraku also mentioned the GFA's ongoing support for women’s football, pointing to increased investment in the Women’s Premier League and youth football.

“Today, 80 to 90 per cent of Black Queens players ply their trade abroad, thanks to the visibility created through the broadcast of their games,” he stated.

He also mentioned free coaching opportunities for women and the inclusion of girls in football academies established across various regions in the country.