Ghana's Black Stars have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a pulsating 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Abuja, in a match that had fans across the country celebrating deep into the night. Mohammed Kudus scored a stunning free-kick in the 87th minute to seal the win after Emmanuel Gyasi had cancelled out Victor Osimhen's opener.
The result means Ghana top Group I with 19 points from 10 games, finishing ahead of their arch-rivals Nigeria on goal difference. It ends a painful four-year absence from the World Cup after Ghana's group-stage exit in Qatar 2022.
Coach Otto Addo, who returned for a second stint in charge, praised the team's resilience. "This is for all Ghanaians. We have been through tough times but this team never stopped believing," an emotional Addo said in his post-match press conference.
Kudus, who delivered a Man of the Match performance, dedicated the qualification to the late Christian Atsu. "Christian always believed we would be back at the World Cup. We did this for him," the West Ham midfielder said.
Ghana will face Morocco, Portugal, and Uruguay in Group D at the World Cup to be held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico in June and July 2026.
