The FA President of Ghana has expressed concern over a growing injury list affecting key players ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite expressing confidence
Kurt Okraku, president of the Ghana Football Association, acknowledged the issue while attending the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Several prominent members of the Ghana national team squad are currently sidelined, raising uncertainty about their readiness for the tournament.
Among those unavailable are Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu and Abu Francis. Their absence has prompted concern among supporters and analysts, given their importance to the team’s recent performances.
Despite this, Okraku struck a hopeful tone, emphasising what he described as Ghana’s enduring resilience and unity in difficult moments. He pointed to renewed optimism following the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach, suggesting his arrival has reinvigorated both players and fans.
“I know we have some challenges with injuries to key players,” he told Footie Centre.
“When I look at the list, it’s quite worrying, but I derive my positivity from the fact that there is something in the Ghanaian; the indomitable spirit of the Ghanaian will always come up when the chips are so low, and I would want to believe that, with the unity of purpose that has been demonstrated by the entire nation as a result of the arrival of coach Carlos Queiroz, it would arouse extra energy in the Ghanaian player, to the 12th man, and we will find the right level of energy to be competitive,” he added.
Ghana face a difficult task at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, having been drawn in Group I alongside the Panama national team, England national team and Croatia national team. The Black Stars are scheduled to begin their campaign against Panama on 17 June, before taking on England six days later and Croatia on 27 June.
Preparations for the tournament are continuing, with friendly matches planned against the Mexico national team and Wales national team. These fixtures are expected to provide an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the squad and test tactical approaches ahead of the competition.
Attention will now turn to the squad announcement, with Queiroz expected to name his final selection on 1 June. There remains cautious optimism that some of the injured players could recover in time to feature.
While the injury concerns pose a challenge, Ghana’s leadership believes the combination of national support, renewed coaching direction and the players’ determination could still see the team compete strongly on football’s biggest stage.
