Ghana’s national football team missed out on Africa Cup qualification but remains optimistic about the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Coach Otto Addo, navigating a transition phase, emphasizes his commitment despite recent setbacks. The Africa Cup has been rescheduled to December 2025, just months before the World Cup, complicating preparations. Addo’s decision to exclude vice-captain Thomas Partey reflects a shift towards domestic players, as he aims to lead the team successfully in future qualifications.
Ghana’s Journey: From Africa Cup Disappointment to World Cup Hopes
The Ghanaian national football team has faced a setback by missing out on the Africa Cup qualification, yet the road ahead for the 2026 World Cup appears promising. Coach Otto Addo might find his position secure thanks to this silver lining. “We are in a transition, it takes brutal time,” Addo expressed in a recent interview.
The Unique Football Calendar in Africa
Unlike Europe, where major tournaments like the European Championship and World Cup occur in alternating years, Africa’s continental championship has a different rhythm. Typically held every two years, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has often been scheduled for January and February. Recent discussions have emerged regarding its timing, especially considering the interests of top European clubs wanting their African players available for matches.
The 35th edition of AFCON has again been postponed, now set to kick off in Morocco on December 21, 2025, and concluding on January 18, 2026. This timing is particularly notable as it falls just months before the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
In the World Cup qualification, Ghana has triumphed in three matches, a stark contrast to their AFCON qualification results, which saw them with three draws and three losses, including a recent 1:2 defeat against Niger. As a result, the “Black Stars” are poised to miss the Africa Cup for the first time since 2004.
During a press conference following the loss to Niger, a journalist pointedly asked Addo, “Will you resign?” to which he firmly responded that stepping down was not an option for him. He emphasized that his determination has always driven him forward in his career.
Challenges and Changes Ahead for Coach Otto Addo
Born in Hamburg in 1975, Addo holds both German and Ghanaian citizenship. His playing career included stints in the Bundesliga and 15 appearances for the Ghana national team. After a brief tenure as head coach, Addo faced challenges post-World Cup 2022, where Ghana exited in the group stage despite some commendable performances.
After the World Cup, Addo returned to Borussia Dortmund as a talent coach, with Chris Hughton stepping in as his successor. However, Hughton’s failure at the AFCON resulted in his dismissal, placing additional pressure on Addo’s current situation.
Despite the precarious nature of his role, Addo mentioned, “the support from the association is okay,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of football management. Acknowledging the struggles of the team, he noted the absence of the golden generation of players, including legends like Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan.
Addo’s historical contributions, particularly during the 2014 World Cup as a scout, seem overshadowed by recent disappointments. Criticism from journalists has surfaced, with some suggesting he is more of a scout than a coach.
In a surprising move, Addo opted not to call up vice-captain Thomas Partey for recent qualifying matches, citing a lack of commitment from the Arsenal player to the national team. This decision reflects the ongoing transition phase, which has seen a greater inclusion of players from the domestic league.
Looking ahead, Otto Addo remains hopeful for the future, expressing confidence that he will still lead the national team when qualification resumes in March 2026 with a match in Chad. “I have a good confidence that it will continue,” he stated, demonstrating his determination to navigate through this challenging period.