Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed strong confidence that the Black Stars can defeat Croatia, advance to the knockout stages, and potentially go all the way to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ablakwa made the bold prediction during a visit to Ghana’s training camp in Rhode Island on Thursday as part of a high-powered government delegation led by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Smith. The delegation also included Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams and businessman Ibrahim Mahama, who joined in encouraging the team ahead of their decisive Group L clash.
Addressing the players and technical staff, Ablakwa praised the Black Stars for their performances so far in the tournament, insisting they had restored national pride and belief among Ghanaians.
“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,” he told the squad.
He added that the team had reconnected Ghanaians with their passion for the national team, noting: “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.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s crucial encounter against Croatia, Ablakwa backed Ghana to secure victory and progress to the Round of 32.
“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 also highlighted Ghana’s growing reputation on the global stage, insisting the team had silenced critics with disciplined performances against Panama and England.
“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.
Ablakwa went even further in his optimism, suggesting Ghana could challenge for the ultimate prize in world football.
“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.”
The Black Stars head into their final Group L fixture knowing that a win over Croatia will guarantee qualification to the Round of 32, following an impressive start to their campaign with four points from two matches.
