This achievement comes in the wake of a disappointing setback, as Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) their first absence from the continental tournament in over 20 years.
However, Addo managed to revitalize the team, leading them to finish first in Group I with 25 points and book their place at the upcoming World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In the aftermath of Ghana’s successful qualification campaign, Minister Adams praised Addo’s strategic mindset and ability to rally the squad, even as he acknowledged past criticisms directed at the coach. Adams also revealed that Addo had taken exception to being labeled as “lucky.”
“He’s done his bit, he’s done well, and we give him credit. Despite the criticism of some of his decisions, which I share sometimes, he’s come through as a coach who has been quite lucky,” he told Citi FM.
“Even Otto Addo himself, he wasn’t happy that I described his situation as lucky,” Kofi Adams added.
With this latest feat, Addo makes history as the first coach to guide Ghana to back-to-back FIFA World Cup tournaments, having previously led the Black Stars to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during his earlier stint at the helm.
Ghana now awaits the group stage draw, scheduled to take place on December 5, to learn their opponents for the 2026 tournament.
