President John Dramani Mahama is of the view that Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a turning point after the country’s disappointment in failing to make it to the next African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He stated that the qualification is a great step to make up for what he described as “heart-wrenching”, following the country’s inability to qualify for the tournament.
President Mahama made this statement in an exclusive interview with Sporty FM after Ghana formally secured its place in next year’s World Cup tournament, thanks to a 1-0 win over Comoros on home soil.
He recounted and added that “When we crashed out of the AFCON [qualifiers], it was heart-wrenching for all Ghanaians because it was the first time in many decades that Ghana had not gone for the AFCON; Ghana has been a permanent fixture in AFCON.”
“It was quite hurtful but I believe that the boys have made it up with qualifying for the World Cup and so we must take it one step further in the competition itself to make Ghana proud,” Mr. Mahama elaborated.
Ghana missed out on this year’s AFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco in December, making it the first time in decades the country has failed to qualify for the continent’s biggest competition. The last time this happened was in Tunisia in 2004.
The 2025 AFCON will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
