Former Ghana international Mohammed Polo insists that the Black Stars must secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that the expanded nine-team allocation for Africa makes it inexcusable for Ghana to miss out.
Polo urged the current squad to learn from past disappointments, particularly their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which ended Ghana’s 20-year streak at the tournament.
Speaking on the team’s qualification chances, Polo stressed that the players must uphold the legacy left by their predecessors and ensure they do not disappoint the nation.
“The younger ones must understand that their predecessors left a legacy, and they must continue it,” Polo stated.
“They have to do everything possible to qualify. What we’ve built over the years is important, and they must not let it crumble."
He referenced Ghana’s near-semifinal feat at the 2010 World Cup, pointing out that the current squad must now aim to surpass that achievement.
“This time, there are nine slots for Africa. There is no reason why Ghana should miss out. We don't want to see another AFCON failure like what happened in 2025. They must come together and fight for Ghana and for themselves.”
The Black Stars currently top their qualification group with 12 points, three ahead of Comoros, following their recent victories over Chad and Madagascar.
With four games remaining, Polo believes the team must remain focused to seal their place at the 2026 World Cup.
