Ghana have strengthened their coaching staff with the appointment of German tactician Winfried Schäfer as technical advisor, as the Black Stars intensify preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Schäfer’s arrival signals a strategic move by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to enhance the team’s chances of securing a spot in the global showpiece set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The 74-year-old, who landed in Ghana earlier this week, was warmly received by Black Stars assistant coach Desmond Ofei.
His appointment comes in the wake of Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — a major setback for the nation that marks their first absence from the continental tournament in two decades. The GFA hopes Schäfer’s vast experience will provide the guidance needed to steer the team back on track.
A Veteran’s Expertise to Guide Ghana’s Ambitions
With a coaching career spanning more than four decades, Winfried Schäfer brings a wealth of experience to the Ghanaian setup.
Known for his tactical acumen and ability to manage high-pressure situations, Schäfer has coached several national teams and clubs around the world, including stints with Cameroon — whom he guided to the 2002 AFCON title — and Jamaica.
In Ghana, Schäfer’s role will go beyond advising the senior national team. He will also serve as the technical director of the GFA, overseeing the broader football development strategy in the country.
His dual responsibilities are aimed at creating long-term sustainability in Ghanaian football while ensuring immediate results in the World Cup qualifiers.
“The Black Stars have immense potential, and I’m here to help unlock it,” Schäfer said upon his arrival. “Ghana is a proud football nation, and I believe we can achieve great things with the right structure and commitment.”
Rebuilding After AFCON Setback
The decision to bring Schäfer on board comes after growing concerns about the Black Stars’ direction under current head coach Otto Addo.
The disappointment of missing out on the 2025 AFCON has sparked calls for changes within the technical setup, leading to the GFA’s move to reinforce the coaching staff ahead of the all-important World Cup qualifiers.
Schäfer’s appointment is part of a broader overhaul. The Black Stars’ technical team will soon be joined by team psychologist Kris Perquy and video analyst Gregory De Grauwe, both expected to arrive in the coming days.
Their inclusion aims to provide holistic support to the players, addressing both tactical and mental aspects of the game.
The next round of World Cup qualifiers will see Ghana face Chad and Madagascar in pivotal fixtures. Sitting in a tight qualification group, the Black Stars need maximum points to stay in contention for a place in the 2026 tournament.
Eyes on World Cup Redemption
For Ghanaian football fans, the recent setbacks have been tough to swallow, especially given the nation’s proud history on the global stage, including their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Schäfer’s arrival offers a glimmer of hope that the team can recapture that form and secure another World Cup berth.
“The goal is clear — we want to be in the 2026 World Cup,” said Desmond Ofei. “With Schäfer’s experience and the new additions to our staff, we believe we have the right tools to make it happen.”
As the Black Stars gear up for their decisive qualifiers, all eyes will be on how Schäfer’s influence shapes the team’s tactics and mentality. Ghana’s path to redemption starts now, with the hope that this new chapter will lead them back to the world’s biggest football stage.
