England sit at the top of Otto Addo’s early pecking order following the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, with the Ghana coach acknowledging the challenge awaiting the Black Stars in Group L.
The senior national team were drawn alongside the Three Lions, Croatia and Panama during Friday’s ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the United States, setting up a demanding path for Ghana at next year’s tournament.
On paper, the group offers pedigree and promise. England arrive with the experience of a 2018 semi-final run, Croatia are fresh from reaching the last four in Qatar, while Panama will be appearing at only their second World Cup.
Addo, however, insists reputation alone will not define Ghana’s approach.
“I look forward to every game as special,” Otto Addo told Ghanafa.org.
“Very important for us that we don’t underrate any team.
“For sure, England is the favourite in that group, but for me as a coach, to be honest, I’m looking at each and every game equally.”
Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, before meeting England on June 23 and closing their group fixtures against Croatia four days later.
The stakes are high for the Black Stars, who are eager to move beyond the group stage after early exits in their last two World Cup appearances.
