The head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, is relishing the opportunity to lead Ghana past the group stage for the first time since 2010 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The four-time African champions can solidify their elite status at the tournament, which the USA, Canada, and Mexico will co-host.
Otto, who qualified Ghana for the 2022 World Cup, is now aiming to improve. Exiting in the group stage meant the 2022 campaign ended in disappointment for the Black Stars, even though they showed flashes of brilliance.
During an interview with 3Sports, the ex-Borussia Dortmund player discussed his past and his aspirations to lead his team to success.
“I want to overcome the group stage, but then, from there, it’s difficult to predict,” Otto said. “It’s very, very important that we believe in ourselves, we keep the flexibility that we already have, and the players understand what we want to do. This style of play for the long term will give us a lot of chances to go far in that World Cup.”
Otto’s statements show his faith in his players and his strategy, focusing on flexibility, cooperation, and assurance. Otto aims to cement his legacy by advancing the team to the knockout rounds, building on his historic achievement as the first Ghanaian coach to qualify the nation for two World Cups.
Ghanaian fans will remember the country’s remarkable 2010 run, when the Black Stars made it to the quarterfinals and almost became Africa’s first semifinalists.
It’s been fifteen years since that moment—July 2, 2010, at Soccer City, Johannesburg. Luis Suárez’s hand, Gyan’s penalty hit the crossbar. Africa’s dream dying in the cruelest fashion imaginable. Ghana was 120 seconds away from becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Instead, they went home carrying the continent’s broken heart. That unforgettable journey continues to inspire both players and supporters.
“In 2010, we went all the way to the quarterfinals. And I believe this squad can even do more than that.” Kudus via Sports Illustrated.
Ghana stood on the edge of history fifteen years ago, and it watched its future melt away from it in the most agonizing way possible. In 2026, they will get another opportunity. One more chance to show that history doesn’t always have to break you. It can sometimes make you more resilient. Is this generation capable of making it past the quarterfinals? It is unclear if they are prepared to become legendary.
With preparations for 2026 picking up speed, Otto Addo’s vision is ambitious yet pragmatic. Should Ghana keep its faith, discipline, and tactical balance, it could have a memorable run in football’s biggest event.