Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to defeat Croatia, qualify for the knockout stages, and potentially reach the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The minister made the bold remarks during a visit to Ghana’s training camp in Rhode Island on Thursday as part of a high-profile government delegation that travelled to support the national team ahead of their decisive Group L encounter against Croatia.
The delegation was led by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Smith, and included Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams as well as businessman Ibrahim Mahama. Their visit came at a crucial moment for the Black Stars as they continue preparations for what could be their most important match of the tournament so far.
The government officials met players, coaches, and members of the technical team, offering encouragement and support ahead of the encounter that will determine Ghana’s World Cup future.
With qualification to the Round of 32 within touching distance, the visit was intended to boost morale and remind the players that they carry the hopes and dreams of millions of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
Black Stars Have Won Back the Hearts of Ghanaians
Addressing the squad during the visit, Ablakwa praised the players for their performances in the opening two matches of the tournament, insisting they had restored national pride and renewed belief among supporters.
The minister noted that many people had doubted Ghana’s chances before the tournament began, particularly following injuries to several key players and concerns about the team’s preparations. However, he said the players had responded impressively on the pitch and had shown the world that Ghana remains a force to be respected in international football.
“You demonstrated that no team, no matter how highly rated, can intimidate you or can cow you into submission. And we are all so proud,” Ablakwa told the players.
His comments reflected the growing optimism surrounding the national team following a positive start to the World Cup campaign.
The Black Stars opened the tournament with a hard-fought victory over Panama before producing one of their most disciplined performances in recent years to hold England to a goalless draw.
Those results have earned Ghana four points from two matches and placed the team in a strong position heading into the final round of group fixtures.
According to Ablakwa, the performances have helped reconnect the team with supporters and reignited the passion that has traditionally surrounded the Black Stars.
“You have brought back the love, the patriotism and the respect that we have always had for the Black Stars. And we have no doubt that you are going to make us proud. And you are going to go very, very far in this tournament,” he said.
Confidence Growing After Strong Start to Tournament
The atmosphere around Ghana’s World Cup campaign has changed dramatically over the past week.
Before the tournament began, expectations were relatively modest. Many football observers believed Ghana would face a difficult task navigating a group that included England, Croatia, and Panama.
However, the Black Stars have exceeded expectations with their performances. The victory over Panama provided an ideal start and gave the team confidence heading into their clash against England, one of the favourites to win the tournament.
Against the Three Lions, Ghana delivered a tactical masterclass under head coach Carlos Queiroz. The players remained organised, disciplined, and committed throughout the match, frustrating England’s star-studded lineup and earning a valuable point.
The result attracted praise from football experts around the world, with even England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledging the quality of Ghana’s defensive organisation and physical commitment. As a result, confidence within the camp has continued to grow ahead of the decisive meeting with Croatia.
Ablakwa Predicts Victory Over Croatia
While many supporters are cautiously optimistic, Ablakwa has gone a step further by confidently predicting victory for Ghana against Croatia.
The Foreign Affairs Minister told the players that he believes they have what it takes to overcome the European side and secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
“We know that as you prepare for Croatia, you are going to make us even prouder, and you are going to defeat Croatia. So, I know the Croatians are trembling, and we are going to really defeat them and go to the next round of 32,” he said.
His comments were greeted positively by members of the delegation and reflected the growing belief that Ghana can continue their impressive World Cup journey.
Croatia will present a significant challenge, having boosted their own qualification hopes with a victory over Panama. The European side possesses considerable experience and quality throughout their squad.
However, Ghana’s recent performances have shown they are capable of competing with any team when they execute their game plan effectively.
A victory would guarantee Ghana a place in the knockout stages and potentially improve their position within the group standings.
Ghana Earning Respect on the World Stage
Ablakwa also highlighted the changing perception of Ghana on the global football stage.
Before the competition began, many analysts focused on the absence of several key players and questioned whether the Black Stars possessed enough quality to make a deep run in the tournament.
The players have responded to those doubts with determination and professionalism. According to the minister, football fans around the world are beginning to recognise that Ghana should never be underestimated.
“This is a team that many were not too sure about your capacity, but now the world is watching, and everybody is saying that, look, you cannot rule out the Black Stars, and you better give the Black Stars their due and give them the respect that they deserve,” he said.
The minister’s comments reflected a growing sense that Ghana’s performances have captured international attention.
The team’s defensive resilience, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit have become defining features of their campaign so far.
Players such as Benjamin Asare, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Gideon Mensah, and Antoine Semenyo have all played important roles in helping Ghana remain unbeaten after two matches.
Dreaming of the World Cup Final
Perhaps the most striking part of Ablakwa’s address came when he spoke about Ghana’s ultimate potential in the tournament.
Rather than limiting his ambitions to qualification for the knockout stages, the minister suggested the Black Stars could dream much bigger.
He believes the current squad possesses the quality, belief, and momentum needed to challenge the strongest nations in the competition.
“So, we are going to ride on that momentum, and we are going to go very, very far. I believe that we can even get to the finals. I have no doubt,” Ablakwa declared.
While reaching the World Cup final would represent the greatest achievement in Ghanaian football history, the minister insisted that the team’s recent performances have shown they are capable of competing with elite opposition.
His comments are likely to resonate strongly with supporters, many of whom have become increasingly optimistic following the draw against England.
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