The Black Stars receive President Mahama's congratulations
President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated Ghana's senior national team, the Black Stars, for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
President Mahama said on Facebook, "Congratulations to the senior national team, the #BlackStars. Another qualification to the World Cup. #ResettingGhana"
For his part, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa promised to develop diplomatic ties with the United States, Canada, and Mexico to secure sufficient visa quotas.
In a post on his X page, Mr. Ablakwa said, "Ghanaians can be fully assured that the Foreign Ministry under my leadership shall leverage our improved cordial diplomatic relations with the United States, Canada and Mexico to guarantee appreciable visa quotas for our globally acclaimed football fans. GHANA, here we come!”
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Ghana qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the Comoros on Sunday night in Accra, marking their fifth appearance on football's grandest stage.
Otto Addo's men didn't deliver a classic performance, but they did it with control, discipline, and a key touch of quality when it mattered most.
The first half provided little excitement, as both teams struggled to create clear opportunities.
Comoros, who had defeated Ghana in the previous match, began strongly and came near in the opening minutes when goalkeeper Benjamin Asare misread a cross, only to be saved when the ensuing header deflected wide.
Ghana, with just one point to guarantee qualification, was cautious yet calm. Their most extraordinary moment came when Jordan Ayew made an excellent solo move, beating three defenders before crossing into the box, but no Ghanaian was on hand to score.
The game remained goalless at halftime, but other results brought relief, with Mali leading Madagascar 2-0, securing Ghana's top place in Group I.
The Black Stars returned from the break with newfound determination, pressing higher and committing more men forward.
Their intention paid off almost immediately. Only two minutes into the second half, Mohammed Salisu sent in a tempting cross from the left that found Thomas Partey inside the box.
The midfielder remained composed to square the ball for Mohammed Kudus, who tapped it into an empty goal to give Ghana the crucial lead.
From then on, Ghana handled the game brilliantly, maintaining possession and limiting Comoros to half-chances. The defense, commanded by Salisu and Djiku, held strong as Addo's team maintained its form and reduced the pace when required.
The final whistle blasted, eliciting expressions of relief and jubilation within the Accra Sports Stadium.
The 1-0 victory may not have been overwhelming, but it was enough to secure Ghana's spot in the 2026 World Cup, maintaining their historic heritage on the world stage.
Otto Addo has been the first coach to qualify the Black Stars for two FIFA World Cups, cementing his place in Ghanaian football history.