Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup have been marked by managerial instability and off-field challenges, raising concerns about the team’s prospects in the tournament. Once a dominant force in African football, especially during the 1960s through the early 1980s when they secured four Africa Cup of Nations titles, Ghana’s journey on the international stage has been uneven, with sporadic success amid long periods of frustration.

Despite a strong run between 2006 and 2017, which included eight consecutive semifinal appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations and a quarterfinal spot at the 2010 World Cup, Ghana has struggled to convert its potential into major trophies. Football journalist Gary Al-Smith highlights that the country’s record has been punctuated by notable moments but lacks the coveted silverware. He points to frequent coaching changes as a key factor undermining team cohesion and development. Over the last five years, Ghana has seen five different head coaches—Charles Akonnor, Milovan Rajevac, Chris Hughton, and Otto Addo, who served twice—before appointing Carlos Queiroz, former Real Madrid manager, just a month before the tournament.

“The revolving door of coaches has done little for team-building," Al-Smith said, emphasizing the importance of continuity and aligned coaching philosophies to establish rhythm and competitiveness. The varying tactical approaches have disrupted the team’s progress, affecting their overall performance.

Recent complications have further unsettled the Black Stars ahead of their opener against Panama in Toronto. Canadian immigration authorities denied entry to Thomas Partey, a key midfielder, citing unspecified regulations. Ghana’s Sports Minister Koi Adams condemned the decision as unfair, citing Canada’s commitments to international treaties and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Adams described the incident as an “overreaction” and confirmed that Ghana had lodged a formal protest.

Al-Smith noted that the Ghana Football Association anticipated controversies linked to Partey’s eligibility, particularly given their group match against England. However, the involvement of Canadian officials caught the association by surprise despite prior assurances that no such issues would arise during the World Cup.

The government initially planned to facilitate travel for Ghanaian fans to the North American venues, ensuring vocal support for the team despite strict US and Canadian immigration rules. However, President John Dramani Mahama later scaled back these efforts, citing financial constraints amid Ghana’s broader economic challenges. The revised strategy involved distributing tickets within established Ghanaian diaspora communities in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, and Toronto, rather than subsidizing international travel. With the tournament imminent, many fans report not having received tickets, raising concerns about the team’s morale and fan presence.

Ghana faces a challenging group stage featuring matches against England and Croatia, making the support of supporters abroad all the more crucial as the Black Stars bid to advance on the global stage.