Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has appealed to Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars technical team as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana have secured one of Africa’s nine automatic qualification slots and will be making their fifth appearance at the global tournament. With the competition drawing closer, the Ghana Football Association has moved to reinforce the technical bench with a number of experienced additions.
Among the new faces are French tactician Alain Ravera and Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, who both join as assistant coaches. Spanish trainer Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso has been drafted in to strengthen scouting and performance analysis.
The backroom team also sees the return of physiotherapist Carlos Lozano Romero, who previously worked with the squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while British-born Ghanaian performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi completes the revamped setup.
Despite mixed reactions from sections of the public, Agyemang-Badu insists this is the moment for unity rather than criticism. He emphasised that the FA understands the team’s needs and that strengthening the technical department is a strategic decision aimed at enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness.
He urged fans to remain patient and supportive, noting that with only a few months to the tournament, stability and confidence are crucial.
“The Ghana FA knows the nature of the meetings they held with the coaches and management, as well as the kind of reinforcement needed in the technical team. If they have decided to strengthen the technical team, we have to support them. With few months left to the World Cup, this is not the time to criticize the expansion. As Ghanaians, we need to be patient and back the team.” he said.
The 2026 World Cup — to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — will feature an expanded 48-team format. Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside the England national football team, the Croatia national football team, and the Panama national football team, setting up a challenging path for the West African powerhouse.
