Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has adopted a calm and measured approach ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following Ghana’s placement in Group L alongside England, Panama and Croatia.

“I look forward to every game as special,” Addo told ghanafa.org, stressing the need for total focus from his squad. 

“It is very important for us that we don’t underrate any team. For sure, England is the favourite in that group, but for me as a coach, to be honest, I’m looking at each and every game equally.”

The Ghana coach believes a positive start to the tournament could set the tone for the Black Stars’ campaign, placing particular emphasis on the opening fixture against Panama.

“I’m hoping that we have a good start against Panama; that will be very, very crucial,” he said.

“It will make the other games a little bit more relaxed and easier for the players psychologically. We will use the March window for test matches and then see.”

Addo also expressed pride in the team’s recent progress, highlighting Ghana’s strong showing during the World Cup qualifying campaign.

“I think we did very well in the qualifiers,” he noted.

“We didn't lose a single official game, like the qualifying games, we did very well. We just played one draw and the rest we won, so we had quite a good year in 2025, after a bad year in 2024.”

Despite working with a relatively young squad, Addo said the team has shown maturity and cohesion. 

"Even though we have a very young team, we really, really did well, had a good harmony in the team, good union'' he noted.

Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17, before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in their remaining Group L fixtures.

| Captain of the Black Stars Jordan Ayew pictured alongside the team's Group L schedule