Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has provided insight on the need for Ghana to qualify to the 2026 FIFA World Cup by describing the need to qualify to the Mundial as the air he breathes that he badly needs.
He said this in a media engagement after visiting the Black Stars after the team’s first training session in the lead up to two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games.
Ghana plays Chad and Madagascar on March 21 and 24 respectively after failing to qualify to compete in the 2025 AFCON. Nine out of 26 invited players participated in the first training session held at the Accra Stadium.
After describing the universally panned playing surface at the Accra Stadium as impressive and ready to host Ghana’s game against Chad, the Sports Minister noted that qualifying to the next World Cup that is set to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico, as a must. (Click highlighted text to read full story)

“For the qualification, I need it just like any other person. Qualification is like the air that we are breathing, that’s how bad I need it and so that’s why we are working. That’s why you see me here…I want everything in order for this game; so I need it-qualification to the 2026 World Cup- just as any other person needs it” he said.
Scroll down to watch videos of Black Stars first training session ahead of its game against Chad on Friday.
Black Stars Training has commenced with just six outfield players participating in the session: Kamaldeen Sulemana, Razak Simpson, Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah, Kamaradini Mamudu, Antoine Semenyo.
All three goalkeepers are present for the training session#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/xcVk8iLq90
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) March 17, 2025
Goal keeper’s training session focusing on defending set pieces @CitiSportsGHA pic.twitter.com/pVrkoGIZFQ
— Yaw Adjei-Mintah (@YawMintYM) March 17, 2025