Ghana head coach Otto Addo has laid out his expectations well in advance of the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, urging his team to maintain their position at the top of Group I with a decisive performance in September.
The Black Stars recently concluded their latest international camp, where they played two matches, managing a single victory.
While players now return to their clubs for the off-season break, Addo has already shifted focus to the crucial fixtures ahead, most notably Ghana’s upcoming encounter against Chad on Matchday 7 of the qualifiers.
“We want to start with a victory against Chad,” Addo said firmly, addressing the importance of preparation ahead of the September fixture. “Before that, we will prepare well.”
Addo, who guided Ghana to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, is aiming to lead the four-time African champions to back-to-back appearances on the world stage.
His determination was evident as he addressed the team’s ambitions and the significance of maintaining momentum in the qualifiers.
Currently, Ghana sits atop Group I with 15 points, holding a three-point advantage over second-placed Comoros.
With just four rounds remaining in the qualifying campaign, Addo is fully aware of what is at stake. Each match from this point forward will carry immense weight, and the coach has made it clear that nothing less than a win will suffice against Chad.
“Our objective is simple. Remain focused and do what’s required to stay ahead,” he added.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are fiercely competitive, with only group winners guaranteed an automatic ticket to the tournament.
For Ghana, this means every match must be approached with intensity and precision. Otto Addo’s proactive stance sends a clear signal to both his squad and the opposition that the Black Stars are not content to rest on their early success.
While Addo’s immediate challenge lies in assembling the right squad and refining tactics, his long-term goal is evident. Secure qualification and continue building a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Ghana’s recent performances have been a blend of promise and areas for improvement. Though the team secured a win in one of their two most recent fixtures, Addo will be looking for greater consistency and sharper execution when the qualifiers resume.
With national team players set to return to club duties in the coming weeks, the Ghanaian technical staff will continue their preparations behind the scenes.
From scouting opposition to monitoring player fitness and form, Addo and his team are already laying the groundwork for what could be a defining chapter in Ghana’s World Cup journey.
As the September match against Chad looms, the message from Otto Addo is unmistakable. There is no room for complacency.
The path to North America 2026 is still lined with challenges, but under Addo’s leadership, Ghana remains firmly in control of its destiny.
