Despite the Black Stars’ disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), former Black Galaxies assistant coach Bismark Kobby Mensah remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team’s winless run in the AFCON qualifiers has left Ghanaians disheartened, with many fearing a bleak future for the national team. However, Mensah believes that all hope is not lost. Speaking on Asempa FM, he emphasized that with adequate preparation and a candid evaluation of their recent shortcomings, the Black Stars can bounce back stronger.

“It is possible to qualify for the World Cup. You can never say never, but it comes down to preparations,” Mensah remarked.

Currently sitting second in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers with nine points, Ghana still has a fighting chance. Mensah has called on the team to turn the lessons from their AFCON debacle into motivation, urging them to focus on meticulous planning ahead of their next qualifier against Chad in March 2025.

With the 2026 World Cup in sight, the former coach is confident that the Black Stars can rise to the occasion and secure their fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage.