Otto Addo reacts to Ghana’s 2026 World Cup draw

Ghana coach Otto Addo has reacted to the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup draw held on Friday in Washington.

The Black Stars have been paired with Panama, England and Croatia in Group L, forming a tricky group for Ghana.

Speaking to the media shortly after the draw, Addo stressed the need for calm focus and a step-by-step approach.

“I said it before, we have to take it step by step. First we play Panama, and then we look at how we can prepare our best against England,” he said.

“We want to win every match. On a good day, I know we can beat everyone. We want to get to the next round, but we need to take it step by step.”

The coach revealed he had already heard from some players with English connections.

“I got messages from Brandon Asante and others who are playing in England or were born there,” he noted.

Addo also shared his thoughts on England manager Thomas Tuchel, highlighting their long-standing coaching history.

“I met him when I was U19 coach at Hamburg and he was U19 coach at Mainz. He’s a good coach, very emotional, with a lot of experience. But it’s not about us, it’s about the team and how we prepare.”

“It’s going to be exciting because of our history. A lot of people look at England and follow the Premier League. I think it’s going to be an exciting game.”

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama in Texas, face England in Toronto for their second match, and wrap up the group against Croatia in Philadelphia.