Kudus Inspires Ghana to Secure Fifth FIFA World Cup Appearance
The victory puts Ghana in the same group of four African nations — Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria — who had already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The runaway performance is designed to reiterate the solidity and determination of Ghana in the qualifiers, projecting itself as one of the football giants of Africa. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Ghana’s Black Stars have again gone into the record books after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — their fifth appearance at the world tournament and second consecutive qualification following their adventure in Qatar 2022.
West African giants wrapped up next year’s tournament qualification with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Comoros in their last Group I qualifier on Sunday night at the Accra Sports Stadium. Tottenham Hotspur sensation Mohammed Kudus was the star of the evening, providing the match-winner that made the crowd go wild and guaranteed Ghana finished at the top of the group.
The emphatic win left the Black Stars on 25 points, six clear of runners-up Madagascar. The runaway performance is designed to reiterate the solidity and determination of Ghana in the qualifiers, projecting itself as one of the football giants of Africa.
The victory puts Ghana in the same group of four African nations — Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria — who had already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Head coach Otto Addo praised his players for being disciplined and determined, labeling the qualification a proof of the growing football power of Ghana. “This is a credit to the hard work, togetherness, and belief of all the players and members of the technical staff. We are happy again to march our colours and those of Africa out there on the international scene,” he said after the match.
For Ghana fans, qualification evokes memories of the Black Stars’ dominant World Cup displays, particularly their iconic 2010 performance in South Africa where they made it to the quarterfinals — only the third African team to make it to that far. World Cup displays.
As planning begins for the 2026 title, it is all set to take forward the past experiences and aim to be even stronger. The inclusion of young talents like Kudus, with veteran players, results in a well-balanced team that can compete with the world’s best.
Outside of Africa, some other world football powers have also assured themselves of qualification. They include title holders Argentina, Brazilian, Colombian, and Uruguayan South American powers, as well as host countries the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ghana’s second-time qualification once again demonstrates the country’s football heritage and ever-persevering passion of the fanatical Ghanaian fans. With the 2026 clock running, the Black Stars will not just be hoping to compete — but to dominate on the world stage yet again.
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