FIFA World Cup 2026: Should we worry about Ghana?

The warning signal is clear. Ghana remains on four consecutive losses in friendlies, including a heavy correction against Austria (5-1), followed by a loss against Germany (2-1). These results, far from being anecdotal, reflect a team in loss of reference. 

Already weakened by their inability to qualify for the AFCON 2025, the Black Stars have never seemed to trigger a real dynamic of reconstruction. The record of outgoing coach, Otto Addo, is revealing: eight wins and nine losses in 22 matches during his second spell. A chronic instability that continued into the last few releases.

In the field, the observation is equally worrying. Despite the presence of confirmed talents like Mohammed Kudus or Antoine Semenyo, Ghana is struggling to impose a clear gaming identity. The team alternates between interesting sequences and disturbing air holes, revealing a deficit of collective control.

The dismissal of Otto Addo, symptom of a deeper malaise
The dismissal of Otto Addo, only 71 days before the World Cup, appears as the most striking illustration of this crisis. More than a surprise, it was almost an inevitable outcome. Since the failure in qualifications for the AFCON, the Ghanaian technician was evolving under constant pressure. The federation’s decision, taken after the debacle against Austria, was ratified despite a performance deemed more encouraging against Germany.

A delicate timing, Addo directed his last match in an already sealed atmosphere, before being thanked immediately afterwards. This choice raises a central question: how to urgently rebuild less than two months before a major tournament, without an international window to test new ideas? Ghana is engaged in a race against time.

A crucial succession... and risky

The priority now is to appoint a new coach capable of quickly providing guarantees. But the challenge is immense. The future technician will have to meet three major requirements: knowing African football, understanding the Ghanaian environment and immediately performing at the highest level. Several profiles emerge.

The name of Walid Regragui keeps coming back with insistence. Building on his historic journey with Morocco during the 2022 World Cup and his solid results in qualifications, he embodies a credible profile, capable of bringing structure and tactical exigency. Discussions would have been initiated, proof of the federation’s ambition.

Another serious track, Hervé Renard, whose African experience and knowledge of Ghana make him a natural candidate. Double winner of the AFCON, he ticks almost all the boxes, even if the financial issue has often blocked his arrival in the past.

Finally, the local solution with James Kwesi Appiah remains a credible option. Former coach, fine connoisseur of the context, he presents the advantage of cultural continuity. But his strained relations with the management of the federation could complicate his return.

A World Cup under high uncertainty
Beyond the selection of the coach, it is the whole preparation of Ghana that questions. Placed in a higher group with England, Croatia and Panama, the Black Stars will not have the right to make mistakes. The lack of technical stability, combined with a negative dynamic, undermines their credibility on the international stage. At this point, Ghana appears more as a team in reconstruction than as an outsider capable of creating surprise.

Worry, yes... but not condemn

Should we therefore loose hope in Ghana? Probably not. The history of the Black Stars is marked by unexpected resurrections. Their talent pool remains one of the richest on the continent, and a change of coach can sometimes cause a shock. But one thing is certain: rarely has Ghana tackled a World Cup in such an unstable context. More than ever, the next few weeks will be decisive. Between sporting urgency and strategic choices, the Black Stars are already playing an essential part of their World Cup... even before the kick-off.