World Cup 2026: Jerome Opoku optimistic about Black Stars' future after exit

Jerome Opoku believes Ghana's disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup should serve as a stepping stone rather than a setback, with the defender confident the Black Stars can emerge stronger from the experience.

The Istanbul Basaksehir centre-back said the squad remains convinced it has the quality to compete at the highest level despite seeing its campaign end with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.

"We've got great talents. I think we can do better and we always want to do better," Opoku said after the match.

"The past is the past now. We'll look back at it, see what we can improve and continue looking forward."

Ghana's hopes of reaching the Round of 16 were dashed after Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal early in the first half in Kansas City. Although the Black Stars pushed for a response, they were unable to break down the Colombian defence.

Opoku said there was no shortage of belief within the camp before kick-off, insisting the players approached the knockout tie determined to continue their impressive run at the tournament.

"We came into this game very confident. We wanted to prove to Ghanaians and everyone watching that we were ready for the challenge because we'd had a very good run before this match."

The defender also backed the team's preparations, saying both the players and technical staff had executed their plans as intended despite the outcome.

"The coach gave us a good team talk, and we had a good build-up. Sometimes football doesn't go your way. I thought the approach from the coach and the boys was good, but it wasn't our day."

Opoku also praised Alidu Seidu for stepping in after Marvin Senaya was forced off through injury, describing the change as an unfortunate setback rather than an excuse for the defeat.

Ghana's attention will now shift to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where the Black Stars hope to build on the lessons learned from their World Cup campaign.

 

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