Otto Addo backs stability as Ghana finalise squad plans for 2026 World Cup

Ghana coach Otto Addo has opted for continuity as he prepares his team for the 2026 World Cup, choosing to retain the core group of players who secured the Black Stars’ qualification.

Addo believes that loyalty and stability will be crucial to Ghana’s success on football’s biggest stage.

Since taking charge, Addo has focused on building a consistent, disciplined side that understands his tactical demands.

One of the standout performers under his leadership has been Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, whose assured displays have earned him the coach’s complete trust.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper has been a revelation since making his debut in March 2025 against Chad.

Across six qualifying matches, Asare kept five clean sheets and conceded only once, emerging as one of Ghana’s most reliable performers in a campaign defined by defensive solidity.

Speaking about his plans for the World Cup, Addo made clear that his philosophy centres on trust and group cohesion.

I don’t know what will happen in eight or nine months, but I think the core of this team will remain the same. They deserve it. They were there in the difficult moments. They played all the qualifying matches, so that’s what I will take into account in my final decision, he said.

Addo’s comments underline his determination to reward those who carried Ghana through a challenging qualifying journey.

For the coach, keeping faith in this group is as much about morale as it is about performance.

This team has already proven its resilience and togetherness. That’s something you can’t buy, he added privately to reporters.

Asare’s story epitomises that belief in merit and hard work. Addo praised his goalkeeper’s rise, noting that his progress was earned through consistency and self-belief.

He’s really good. I think his strength clearly lies in his game — in the counterattack and on the line. He still has room for improvement, but I think he’s improving from match to match, Addo explained.

He also revealed that Asare’s inclusion was decided at the last minute after an impressive showing in training.

The decision was made by the skin of his teeth. The turning point was the last training session, when we invited him. He trained really well. He had a certain amount of self-confidence, he said.

As Ghana look ahead to the tournament in North America, Addo remains focused yet realistic.

I want to get through the group stage, but beyond that, it’s difficult to make predictions. It’s very, very important that we have confidence in ourselves, that we maintain the flexibility we already have, and that the players understand what we want to do, he stated.

With a clear emphasis on stability, discipline, and unity, Otto Addo’s Ghana are set to head into the 2026 World Cup with belief in the group that earned them a place among the world’s best.