Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi has urged the current administration to ensure the Black Stars qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning of severe public backlash if they fail.
Nyantakyi’s remarks follow Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — the first such miss in two decades. The Black Stars finished bottom of Group F, collecting only three points from six matches.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Nyantakyi highlighted the importance of the upcoming World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He reminded the GFA of the parallels to 1994 when Ghana failed to qualify for the last U.S.-hosted World Cup.
“The 2026 World Cup is a big deal for Ghanaians, and should the Black Stars fail to qualify, citizens will not forgive the Ghana Football Association,” Nyantakyi stated. He emphasized that the GFA and the government must collaborate to secure the team’s place in the global tournament.
Ghana, currently tied with Comoros on 9 points at the top of their group, will face Chad and Madagascar in the remaining qualifiers.
