Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s chances at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the Black Stars remain focused on going all the way in the tournament.
According to the Minister, Ghana entered the competition with the ambition of fighting for the ultimate prize, and that belief has not changed despite the difficult path ahead.
“When we started, we were 48, and we were confident that we were also chasing the trophy. Now the numbers have been reduced, and 32 are going to the next round. We still think that we are heading towards clinching the trophy,” he said.
His remarks come at a crucial stage of the competition, with Ghana set to face Colombia in the Round of 32. FIFA’s official match centre lists Colombia versus Ghana in Kansas City as one of the Round-of-32 fixtures, while FIFA’s preview says it is the two nations’ first-ever World Cup meeting.
Focus Shifts Fully to Colombia
Kofi Adams said Ghana’s immediate attention is now fixed on overcoming Colombia as the Black Stars seek to keep their World Cup dream alive.
He stressed that the team’s mindset is not limited to merely participating in the group stage or making up the numbers in the knockout rounds. Instead, he said, the national objective is to keep progressing until the latter stages of the tournament.
According to him, Ghana believes it can move from the Round of 32 into the last 16, then to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and ultimately the final.
“Some have started falling out, and I know we’ll be part of the 16 who will continue to chase, and we’ll be part of the eight who will continue to chase. Then we’ll bring it down to four and eventually to two. That is our project. That is what we are working towards,” Adams stated.
A Message of Belief and Ambition
The Minister’s comments reflect a message of belief, ambition and national expectation as support continues to build behind the Black Stars.
He said he had made it clear that Ghana’s mission at the World Cup was not simply to honour participation, but to compete seriously for the title.
“I told him about the desire of the nation. Our mindset is not that we’re just coming to play the group stages and go back. Our mindset is that we are chasing the trophy, and we’re still in that mindset,” he added.
That optimism comes as Ghana prepares for what many see as one of its biggest tests yet in the tournament. Reuters reported that Ghana reached the Round of 32 and is preparing to face Colombia, with the tie attracting attention partly because Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz will come up against a country he once managed.
Confidence Despite the Challenge
Although Colombia will present a major challenge, Adams believes the Black Stars have the quality, determination and mentality to rise to the occasion.
His comments are likely to energise Ghanaian supporters, many of whom are hoping the national team can produce another memorable World Cup run.
Ghana’s progression to the knockout phase has already placed the country among the teams still fighting for the title in the tournament’s new 48-team format. Reuters also noted that Ghana advanced from Group L into the Round of 32 after the expanded tournament reduced the field from 48 to 32 for the knockout stage.
National Expectation Growing
Kofi Adams’ remarks underline the growing expectation around the Black Stars’ campaign. For the Minister, success will not only be measured by participation but by how far the team can go against the best sides in the world.
His comments also reinforce the message that Ghana wants to be seen as a serious contender and not an underdog simply happy to be on the global stage.
As the Black Stars prepare for their clash with Colombia, Adams’ confidence sets the tone for what many Ghanaian fans hope will be another historic chapter in the country’s football journey.
If Ghana defeats Colombia, belief in the team’s ability to go even deeper into the tournament will only grow stronger.
Source: Kwabena Danso-Dapaah
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