Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to compete at the highest level at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that the team can challenge the world’s best if given the right support and motivation.
Speaking on TV3’s New Day programme on Tuesday, the Effutu MP said Ghana has the talent and quality required to make a strong impression at the tournament in North America. He emphasized, however, that proper preparation, motivation, and incentives for both the players and technical staff would be crucial to the team’s success.
According to Afenyo-Markin, Ghanaian teams have often surpassed expectations whenever adequate structures and support systems have been established.
“The team must be properly motivated, and the necessary incentives should be provided. Whenever Ghanaian teams are well prepared and motivated, they usually exceed expectations,” he said.
He also disclosed that he is looking forward to hearing from Sports Minister Kofi Adams when Parliament reconvenes on May 19, expecting an update on preparations being made for the World Cup.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that effective planning and transparency would be vital if Ghana are to compete strongly against some of the top football nations in the world.
Reflecting on Ghana’s memorable run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, he recalled how close the Black Stars came to becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals before their dramatic quarter-final exit to the Uruguay national football team.
“Ghana has enormous football potential. We saw it in South Africa when we reached the quarter-finals and came very close to the semi-finals. If not for Asamoah Gyan’s penalty miss, history could have been made,” he added.
The Black Stars will begin their 2026 World Cup journey against the Panama national football team in Toronto on June 17 before facing the England national football team and the Croatia national football team in Group L.
Despite the difficult group, many Ghanaian fans remain optimistic that the team can rediscover the unity and fighting spirit that once made them one of Africa’s most respected sides on the global stage.
Credit: 3 News
