Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has issued a message of appreciation to the nation, hailing the Black Stars for defying pre-tournament doubts by reaching the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement addressed to 'Ghanaian brothers and sisters' and supporters of the Black Stars, President Okraku acknowledged the disappointment of the team's exit at the hands of Colombia in the Round of 32, but emphasised the immense pride the nation should feel for the team's resilience and passion.
"Before the start of the 2026 World Cup, many doubted the team's ability to compete at this global stage," President Okraku said. "Yet, the Black Stars responded by qualifying from a difficult group into the Round of 32. That resilience should make every Ghanaian and our supporters proud".
Ghana's journey in North America ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Kansas City, but not before the Black Stars secured a memorable goalless draw against England and edged past Panama in the group stage. It was the team's first knockout stage appearance since 2010.
President Okraku expressed his gratitude to the Government of Ghana, sponsors, and partners for their support, while also extending a special thank you to head coach Carlos Queiroz and the players for their dedication and sacrifice.
"Football is a journey of both triumph and learning. Every challenge strengthens our resolve, and every experience prepares us for future opportunities," he added .
Looking ahead, the GFA President pledged that the Football Association is committed to building a stronger and deeper squad to challenge for continental glory and return to the global stage. He called on the nation to unite and support the team's future endeavours, stating: "The future of Ghana football remains bright."
Below is the entire statement;
2026 FIFA MEN'S WORLD CUP: PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION
My dear Ghanaian brothers and sisters and cherished supporters of the Black Stars,
On behalf of the Ghana Football Association, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to you all for standing firmly behind our national team throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Our journey ended at the Round of 32 of the tournament, and as disappointing as this is for all of us, we are immensely proud of the team for the courage and passion they portrayed in representing the country.
Before the start of the 2026 World Cup, many doubted the team’s ability to compete at this global stage. Yet, the Black Stars responded by qualifying from a difficult group into the Round of 32. That resilience should make every Ghanaian and our supporters proud.
Football is a journey of both triumph and learning. Every challenge strengthens our resolve, and every experience prepares us for future opportunities. The technical team and players have learned invaluable lessons from this 2026 World Cup campaign that will make the Black Stars stronger to compete for future laurels.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Ghana for their unwavering support, and to all our sponsors and partners whose contributions made this journey possible. Above all, I would like to thank the Head Coach, Players, Technical Team and the supporting staff for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice for the nation.
We also thank the wonderful people of Ghana and our supporters around the world for your faith in the team. Your belief and support gave the Black Stars the strength to fight in every match.
The future of Ghana football remains bright. The Football Association is committed to building a stronger, deeper and balanced team that will return to the Africa Cup of Nations, challenge for continental glory, and reach even greater heights on the world stage.
Let us not use this moment to dwell on the disappointment of the team’s inability to advance to the next Round of the World Cup but forge ahead with renewed determination and oneness of purpose to build a stronger team for the future.
May God continue to bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku
President, Ghana Football Association &
2nd Vice President, Confederation of African Football
