Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Fred Pappoe, has called on the leadership of the GFA to make qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup their utmost priority. This follows the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years.

The Black Stars endured a disappointing AFCON campaign, finishing bottom of Group F with just three points after three draws and three defeats. With World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March, Pappoe emphasized the critical importance of securing Ghana’s place on the global stage.

“Qualification to the 2026 World Cup should be our topmost priority. It will be more expensive not to qualify,” Pappoe told Accra-based Original FM.

Currently, Ghana sits second in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers, tied on nine points with group leaders Comoros. The Black Stars are set to face Chad and Madagascar in the final two matches, with their hopes of qualification hanging in the balance.

Pappoe’s remarks highlight the financial and footballing implications of missing out on the prestigious tournament, urging the GFA to take decisive steps to ensure success.