Polo Urges Black Stars to Seize 2026 World Cup Opportunity
Ghanaian football legend Mohammed Polo has emphasized that the Black Stars must not miss out on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking after the team’s recent back-to-back wins against Chad and Madagascar, Polo stated that the current qualification path offers Ghana a prime chance to return to the global stage. The team’s victories, achieved during the March international break on Matchdays 5 and 6, propelled them to the top of Group I with 15 points. Polo, a member of the 1978 AFCON-winning team, reminded the current players that they are custodians of a proud legacy and should be driven to uphold it.
Polo believes the increased World Cup slots for African teams—now expanded to nine—should make qualification more attainable for the Black Stars. He highlighted that previous generations had paved the way and that the current squad must do all they can to build on that foundation. He referenced Ghana’s 2010 World Cup run, where they nearly reached the semifinals, and noted how Morocco has since achieved that feat, setting a new benchmark for African teams. Polo also warned against a repeat of the team’s recent failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, stating that such setbacks damage national morale and undermine the country's football development efforts.
Looking ahead, Ghana will continue its World Cup qualification campaign with key fixtures against Chad and Mali in September, followed by matches against Comoros and the Central African Republic. Polo called for unity and commitment within the team, stressing the need for the players to perform not just for national pride, but also for their own professional growth. He believes that with discipline, focus, and teamwork, Ghana can reassert itself as a dominant force in African football and secure its place in the 2026 tournament. For Polo, qualifying for the World Cup is non-negotiable—an essential goal for both the team and the nation.
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