Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku is confident the Black Stars will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana’s consecutive wins over Chad and Madagascar give them a commanding 15-point lead in Group I, making them strong contenders.
The team’s recent successes are a turnaround from their 2024 struggles, which included missing the 2025 AFCON. Opoku feels this setback has ignited their drive to perform at a higher level.
“This time, we had a different and much bigger motivation because the team failed to qualify for the AFCON and so we needed to put that behind us and move on, and also try to make it up to the whole country by winning games and qualifying for the World Cup,” Opoku told Flashscore in an exclusive interview.
“We had to put in much more effort to make that happen. So big shouts to the whole team, coaches, and everyone involved. We know it’s not done yet, so we stay focused and ensure we get the job done.”
Even though he recognizes the difficulties, Opoku is positive about Ghana’s fifth World Cup bid.
“I am 200% confident of qualifying. That’s the aim and dream. We know it’s not job done yet, and it won’t be easy, but we will fight hard till the end to ensure that we secure the points to be first in the group and qualify for the World Cup,” he stated.
“To secure the needed results in the remaining games, we diligently work to elevate our game. Our goal is in sight; we’re dedicated to the task at hand.”
Opoku’s competitive debut for Ghana was against Madagascar; he’d previously played friendlies versus the USA, Nigeria, and Uganda.