Ghana's Kurt Okraku admits injury crisis threatens World Cup campaign

Key facts

• Kurt Okraku, president of the Ghana Football Association, expressed concern over injuries to key players ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
• Injured players include Abu Francis, Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, and Inaki Williams.
• Ghana is drawn in Group I alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
• The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.
• Ghana will play friendly matches against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.
• Head coach Carlos Queiroz will announce the final World Cup squad on June 1.
• Okraku spoke on the sidelines of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver over the weekend.

Injury list grows as World Cup nears

The Ghana Football Association has acknowledged a mounting injury crisis just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. President Kurt Okraku, speaking on the sidelines of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver over the weekend, admitted that the fitness of several key players is a serious concern. Among those sidelined are midfielders Abu Francis and Mohammed Kudus, defender Mohammed Salisu, and forward Inaki Williams, who has been struggling to regain full fitness. The team's medical staff are monitoring all four players closely, but there is no guarantee any will be fit for the tournament.

Okraku voices worry but leans on national spirit

"I know we have some challenges with injuries to key players," Okraku told Footie Centre. "When I look at the list, it's quite worrying." Yet he quickly pivoted to a message of resilience, citing what he called the "indomitable spirit of the Ghanaian." Okraku expressed confidence that the arrival of head coach Carlos Queiroz has galvanized the nation. "I would want to believe that, with the unity of purpose that has been demonstrated by the entire nation as a result of the arrival of coach Carlos Queiroz, it would arouse extra energy in the Ghanaian player, to the 12th man, and we will find the right level of energy to be competitive."

Group I: A daunting path through Panama, England, and Croatia

Ghana has been drawn in Group I, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by a match against England on June 23, and conclude group-stage play against Croatia on June 27. The group presents a significant challenge: England and Croatia are perennial contenders, while Panama has proven capable of causing upsets. Ghana will need to be at full strength to advance.

Preparatory friendlies and squad selection timeline

Before the tournament, Queiroz's side will play warm-up matches against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2. These friendlies are expected to be critical for assessing the fitness and form of potential squad members. Queiroz is scheduled to announce his final 23-man squad on June 1, leaving little time for late recoveries. The Portuguese coach will have to weigh the risks of selecting players who may not be fully fit against the depth of the squad.

The stakes for Ghanaian football

Ghana's performance at the World Cup carries national significance. The Black Stars have a proud history in the tournament, having reached the quarterfinals in 2010. A strong showing in North America would restore faith in the football program after recent disappointments. Okraku's public acknowledgment of the injury crisis reflects the high stakes. His appeal to national unity and the "12th man" underscores the emotional investment of Ghanaians in the team's success.

Outlook: Uncertainty but guarded optimism

The coming weeks will determine whether key players recover in time. The medical team faces a race against the clock, and Queiroz must prepare contingency plans. Okraku's message of hope, rooted in the belief that Ghanaian spirit can overcome adversity, may resonate with fans. But the reality is that injuries to four influential players could derail the campaign before it begins. The next month will be decisive.

The bottom line

• Ghana's World Cup preparations are hampered by injuries to at least four key players.
• Kurt Okraku has publicly expressed concern but remains optimistic about the team's resilience.
• Carlos Queiroz's appointment has generated unity and hope, according to the GFA president.
• Ghana faces a tough group with England, Croatia, and Panama.
• Final squad announcement on June 1 will reveal the extent of the injury impact.
• Friendly matches against Mexico and Wales will be crucial for final preparations.