Kofi Adams opens up on strategic pull-up plans in Black Stars' 2026 World Cup qualification

Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has outlined the strategic measures he believes were key to the Black Stars securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana’s senior national team had been under intense scrutiny after failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in more than 20 years—a setback that triggered widespread frustration and led to a noticeable drop in fan support at matches.

However, fortunes have since shifted. Upon assuming office, Adams oversaw a period in which the Black Stars played six World Cup qualifying matches, winning five and drawing one to seal their place at the global tournament.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, Adams acknowledged the scale of the challenge.

“There were a lot of people who gave up on Black Stars,” he said. “But through a certain strategic pull-up, we have been able to play six matches, won five and drawn one, and that made it possible for us to qualify.”

He attributed the turnaround to a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders, highlighting the role of government backing and renewed fan engagement.

According to the minister, support from the Presidency, coupled with strong attendance at the Accra Sports Stadium, played a significant part in lifting the team.

Adams also pointed to structural changes within the team’s management setup, particularly a shift in the incentive system. Rather than the traditional match-by-match bonuses, officials were tasked with focusing on the broader objective of qualification, with rewards tied to achieving that target.

“We started first by letting them know that we’re not going to pay them winning bonuses as it used to be, we want them to manage the team to make sure that we qualify, and when we have qualified, we have a reward to give them. They accepted this, and we’ve worked with that,” he stated.

After finishing top of their qualifying group, Ghana have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are in Vienna preparing for an international friendly against Austria on March 27, before travelling to Stuttgart to face Germany on March 30.

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