By Achore Richard
Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, has unveiled a 15-player squad for the 2026 World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) World Cup in Mexico, as the African champions prepare for their biggest test on the international stage.
The squad was unveiled at a ceremony at the ESP Hotel in Accra attended by officials from Ghana’s sports administration, including Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams, and President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC Ghana), Samson Deen.
Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, from November 13 to 22, 2026. The expanded competition will feature 24 national teams.
The Black Challenge arrive in Mexico as one of Africa’s leading amputee football teams, having won the African Amputee Football Championship in 2021, claimed gold at the inaugural African Para Games in Accra in 2023 and successfully defended their continental title in Cairo in 2024 by beating Morocco 2-1.
Their 2024 triumph also secured Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Adams urges support before the tournament
Speaking at the unveiling, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams called on corporate Ghana and other stakeholders to support the team throughout its preparations rather than waiting until after success has been achieved.
“These gentlemen deserve our attention and support. Their story should not be important only when they win something. Don’t wait for them to win a trophy, help them to win the trophies. We must start with the preparation, the difficult moment and the journey itself,” Adams said.
His comments came after Gold Fields Ghana pledged $500,000 in support of the team, with $250,000 expected to go towards preparations for the World Cup.
Adams also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping the Black Challenge address outstanding needs ahead of their campaign in Mexico.
“This government will continue working to ensure that your sacrifices are treated with the respect and recognition they deserve. I’ve requested your leaders to bring all documentation so we can follow up on the pledges or promises that have been made verbally, so we can find a way to resolve those things so that there’ll be joy and happiness in their hearts as they represent Ghana,” he said.
NPC announces financial package
NPC Ghana president Samson Deen also announced a financial incentive package under the committee’s Target the Podium Initiative.
Under the package, each player will receive GH₵10,000, while each official will receive GH₵5,000 if the team meets the initiative’s target.
“I am pleased to announce that, through NPC Ghana’s Target the Podium Initiative, we shall make GH₵10,000 available to each player and GH₵5,000 to each official of the Black Challenge squad.
“This support is intended to lift morale in camp and help you, our players, meet practical needs as you prepare for Mexico. We believe in you, and we want you to feel that support as you give your best for Ghana.”
Deen also challenged the players to maintain discipline and professionalism as they enter the final phase of their preparations.
“To the players, this next stage asks even more of you. Respect your coaches and protect your fitness. Be punctual, support your teammates and use every training session purposefully.
“The discipline you show before departure will shape the performance you can give in Mexico.
“When you wear the national colours, you represent people from every part of Ghana. Carry that responsibility with confidence. You have already shown that you can compete under pressure. Let that experience strengthen your belief as you prepare for the World Cup.”
Black Challenge face former world champions
Ghana’s Group D campaign will include a meeting with Angola, the only African nation to have won the global amputee football title.
Angola lifted the World Cup in Mexico in 2018 and reached the final again in 2022, where they finished runners-up to Türkiye. Colombia and Iraq complete Ghana’s group.
The Black Challenge will therefore face opposition from three different continents as they attempt to carry their continental success onto the global stage.
The Ghana Football Association has said it will work with the National Amputee Football Association of Ghana and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to support the team, while Gold Fields Ghana has been identified as a key partner in the World Cup preparations.
The team is expected to intensify preparations, including a training camp in Türkiye, before travelling to Mexico.
For a side that has built a strong record in African competition, the World Cup presents a new challenge: turning continental dominance into success against the world’s leading amputee football nations.
With 24 countries set to compete in Mexico, the Black Challenge will be hoping that the support pledged before departure can provide the foundation for Ghana to make a lasting impression on the global stage.