Otto Addo, Ghana’s head coach, emphasizes that a strong start against Panama is crucial for the Black Stars’ chances at the 2026 World Cup. He believes a win against Panama will set the tone for the rest of the campaign, making the subsequent matches against England and Croatia more manageable psychologically.
Addo praises his youthful squad’s progress, highlighting their impressive qualifying campaign, where they secured 10 wins and only one draw. He stresses the importance of not underrating any team, including England, who are favorites in Group L.
The Ghanaian coach is optimistic about his team’s chances, citing their harmony and unity. He notes that playing on the East Coast of the United States could be an advantage, given the large Ghanaian communities there.
Addo’s strategy focuses on treating every opponent with equal respect and leveraging Ghana’s strengths to compete against tougher teams. A good start against Panama would provide momentum, allowing Ghana to push for a spot in the knockout stage.
