Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has urged Ghanaians to temper expectations for the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the recent expansion of the team’s backroom staff does not automatically translate into improved performance on the global stage.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Afriyie acknowledged the GFA’s efforts to bolster technical support ahead of the tournament but cautioned against over-optimism based solely on personnel additions.
“Ghanaians should temper their expectations for the Black Stars at the World Cup,” Afriyie stated. “Having more hands on board doesn’t automatically improve the team’s prospects.”
The GFA recently announced several high-profile appointments to support head coach Chris Hughton, including:
French coach Alain Ravera and Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren as assistant coaches
Spanish strategist Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso to enhance scouting and match analysis
Return of Carlos Lozano Romero as physiotherapist
British-born Ghanaian performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi joining the ranks
These moves are part of Ghana’s broader preparation strategy for the expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The Black Stars qualified convincingly from CAF qualifying and have been drawn in Group B alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
Despite the reinforcements, Afriyie—who brings extensive experience in football administration—emphasized that success at the World Cup depends on far more than technical team size. Factors such as squad cohesion, player form, tactical discipline, mental preparation, and on-field execution remain decisive.
His comments come amid growing public excitement following Ghana’s qualification and the team’s planned training camp at Bryant University in Rhode Island. While the backroom enhancements are widely viewed as positive steps toward professionalism and depth, Afriyie’s caution serves as a reminder that historical challenges—such as group-stage exits and inconsistent domestic league impact—cannot be overcome by staffing alone.
The former GFA Vice President’s perspective has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some agreeing that realistic expectations are necessary, while others argue the strengthened support structure positions Ghana better than in previous campaigns (notably 2022 in Qatar).
As preparations intensify—with friendlies against Austria, Germany, and Mexico scheduled in March and May—the Black Stars face mounting pressure to translate off-field investments into tangible results when they open their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026.
