Otto Addo Confident Despite Black Stars 'Tough' Group
- Ghana head coach Otto Adoo offered his verdict on the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw which was made on Friday evening, live from Washington
- Addo, who was in attendance at the at the John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, ran the rule over Group L
- The Black Stars of Ghana were placed along with colonial masters England, Croatia and Panama
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Otto Addo is confident about Ghana's 2026 World Cup chances despite being drawn into a "tough group" alongside England, Croatia and Panama for the tournament in North America next summer.
Ghana learned their opponents in the draw in Washington D.C on Friday led by former defender Rio Ferdinand who was alongside Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Wayne Gretzky.
Source: Getty Images
The Black Stars have been in Group I alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
Addo told 3Sports:
“It’s a tough group, but it’s doable. There are worse groups, to be honest. I’m happy, especially for our fans on the East Coast of the USA, that they’ll be able to see us. So, for this I’m very happy. If we have a good start against Panama from there, we can continue to [build on that],” Addo explained.
He added that the team’s target is to beat every opponent starting from the very first group stage match.
“We want to win every match; this is for sure. Once we get a good start, then anything is possible.
However, he cautioned against underrating Panama, who are currently ranked 30th in the world.
“On a good day, I know we can beat everyone, but I also know we can lose against all of those teams, also Panama, if we underrate them.”
The Black Stars will contest their first match on June 17, 2026 in either Arlington or Toronto against Panama.
After the opening test against Panama, Ghana will play England on June 23 in Foxborough or Toronto.
The four-time African champions will play their final group game against Croatia on June 27 in East Rutherford or Philadelphia.
If they win the group, they will face a third-placed qualifier in the last 32.
Ghana to face England, Croatia and Panama
The Black Stars entered the draw from Pot 4, meaning a demanding path was almost guaranteed.
England stand out as the clear favourites in the group. The Three Lions now have Thomas Tuchel in charge and remain determined to win their first world crown since 1966.
The last meeting between the two countries produced a dramatic 1-1 draw at Wembley, where Gyan delivered a memorable finish in added time. Many fans still recall that moment with pride.
Watch the goal:
Aside from England, Croatia also presents a formidable obstacle for Ghana. Their record in recent tournaments includes a final in 2018 and a semi-final in 2022.
With Luka Modric still guiding their midfield, the Europeans continue to show they can challenge any opponent, as they demonstrated in their stunning penalty victory against Brazil four years ago.
Source: Getty Images
Panama complete the group and may appear less decorated, yet their progress in recent years has earned them growing respect.
They sit inside the top 30 teams in the world and approach major competitions with spirit and determination. Ghana will need full focus to overcome their challenge.
England vs Ghana World Cup final predicted
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol stirred discussion ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw with a bold prediction about the final.
He suggested a possible England vs Ghana showdown, picturing an exciting battle between Harry Kane and Antoine Semenyo.
Source: YEN.com.gh
