Former Asante Kotoko Board Chairman Herbert Mensah believes the Black Stars face a difficult challenge in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. He stated that poor administration has plagued the team historically. This time, however, these issues coupled with other factors make success even harder.
Mensah pointed out that despite administrative shortcomings, players have shown determination. He noted that new coach Carlos Queiroz is an accomplished tactician. Queiroz has 46 days to prepare the team for their opening match against Panama on June 17. The Black Stars aim to advance past the group stage for the first time since 2010. Queiroz must submit his final squad by June 1. Mensah conceded Queiroz's World Cup record is not stellar. Still, his experience could be valuable for Ghana in their group.
Ghana's football history is marked by administrative inefficiencies. The Black Stars have often relied on player brilliance to overcome these hurdles. Mensah feels this approach may not be sufficient for the 2026 tournament. The group stage opponents include England, Croatia, and Panama. Mensah is questioning the current state of the players. He raised concerns about their preparation and overall stability. He also wondered about potential demoralization from ongoing issues. The dynamics within the playing unit and the management's effectiveness are also under scrutiny. Mensah highlighted the need for significant self-examination within the team structure.
Mensah's statements reflect ongoing debates about governance within Ghana's football association, the GFA. These administrative concerns have often been linked to the team's performance on the international stage. Previous World Cup campaigns have seen instances where organizational issues reportedly affected team morale and preparation. The GFA faces pressure to ensure a stable environment for the Black Stars leading up to the expanded 48-team tournament.
The implications of Mensah's assessment are significant for the GFA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The coach's preparations and team selection will be under intense scrutiny. Mensah's comments suggest that even with a skilled coach like Queiroz, success is not guaranteed without addressing deeper structural problems. The public and football stakeholders will be watching closely for tangible improvements in administrative efficiency and team support. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will be a key indicator of whether these challenges can be overcome.