Former Ghana international Mohammed Polo insists the Black Stars must qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that the expanded African slots make it easier for the team to secure a place.
With FIFA increasing Africa’s representation to nine direct spots, Polo believes missing out would be unacceptable, especially after Ghana’s disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“There’s No Room for Failure” – Polo
Speaking on the team’s qualification chances, Polo urged the players to embrace the legacy left by their predecessors and ensure they don’t repeat past mistakes.
“The younger ones must understand that their predecessors have left a legacy, and they have to take over,” he said.
“They have to do everything possible. The slot has increased to nine, and Ghana must be there. We don’t want to see the same AFCON situation again. The team must unite and play for Ghana and themselves.”
Polo also referenced Ghana’s near-historic run at the 2010 World Cup, where they came close to the semifinals, before being overtaken by Morocco’s 2022 success.
“They [Black Stars] had a chance to make history in 2010, but it didn’t happen. Morocco has now set that record, so the players still have a lot of work to do.”
Black Stars in Strong Position to Qualify
Ghana currently leads their World Cup qualification group, sitting three points clear of Comoros after securing back-to-back wins over Chad and Madagascar in the last international break.
With four games remaining, the Black Stars have a strong chance of securing one of Africa’s nine automatic qualification spots for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
