Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has emphasised that the Black Stars must approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the strongest possible squad, insisting that only the best-performing players—regardless of age, league, or reputation—should be selected.
Speaking during a media engagement, the Minister stated that Ghana cannot afford another disappointing campaign and must prioritise performance, discipline, and readiness over sentiment.
“We are going to the World Cup to compete, not to participate. It is important that the technical team calls up our very best players—those who are fit, consistent, and capable of delivering results,” he stressed.
According to him, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the technical handlers must work together to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process that reflects current form.
The Minister added that Ghanaians expect a significant improvement from the team after their early exit at the last AFCON, urging the nation to rally behind the squad once the final team is announced.
Ussif further explained that preparations for the tournament are ongoing, with the government committed to supporting the team’s logistics, training camp arrangements, and overall welfare.
The Black Stars have already secured qualification for the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Football enthusiasts have welcomed the Minister’s remarks, noting that competition within the team will be crucial for a stronger performance on the world stage.
