GFA president urges Ghanaians to back Black Stars despite World Cup exit

Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the Black Stars despite their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The appeal was made in a statement issued on Sunday, following Ghana’s exit from the tournament at the Round of 32.

The Black Stars’ campaign came to an end after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia on July 4, 2026, at the Kansas City Stadium in Missouri. Midfielder Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute to send Colombia into the Round of 16.

In his message, Mr. Okraku thanked Ghanaians for standing firmly behind the national team throughout the competition and appealed for the same support as the team begins preparations for future assignments.

“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,” he said.

Acknowledging the disappointment of the early exit, he said the team’s effort should still be appreciated, particularly after overcoming expectations to progress from a difficult group.

“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,” he stated.

Mr. Okraku noted that many observers had questioned Ghana’s ability to compete effectively before the tournament but said the players demonstrated resilience by advancing beyond the group stage.

“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,” he said.

He urged supporters not to allow the World Cup exit to diminish their confidence in the national team, stressing that the experience would help shape a stronger side.

“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,” he said.

Mr. Okraku added: “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.”

Ghana finished the tournament having played four matches, scoring two goals and conceding three.

The Black Stars were widely criticised for their defensive approach and lack of attacking threat, managing no shots on target in their defeat to Colombia despite the South Americans controlling 61 per cent possession and completing 532 accurate passes compared with Ghana’s 312.