Sports Minister Kofi Adams has issued a bold ultimatum for the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: reach the final or achieve nothing.

As the West African giants prepare for their fifth appearance on the world stage, the message from the corridors of power is unequivocal.

Ghana is no longer content with simply "making up the numbers" in a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Following disappointing group-stage exits in Brazil (2014) and Qatar (2022), the atmosphere within the Ghanaian camp has shifted from mere participation to genuine ambition.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Adams, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem, emphasised that the team's preparations must align with their aspirations: "Our intention is to stay there until the last game. So you have to prepare. We are going in there with the mindset that we will stay all the way to the end."

Responding to critics who deemed a final-four target overly ambitious, Adams stood firm, asserting that planning for success must commence the moment qualification is secured.

The path to the trophy is undoubtedly challenging. Ghana has been drawn into Group L, which is already being dubbed one of the tournament's most competitive brackets.

The Black Stars will kick off their campaign against Panama on June 17, a critical opener that could set the tone for their tournament.

Following this, they will face England on June 23, in a match expected to attract massive global viewership. Ghana will conclude their group-stage journey against Croatia on June 27.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is leaving nothing to chance. To enhance the squad's readiness, the Black Stars will regroup this March for high-octane friendlies against Austria and Germany.

A final dress rehearsal against Mexico in May will provide the team with a taste of the North American atmosphere they can expect in June.

In a bid to ensure stability, the GFA has confirmed that the team will be headquartered at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, throughout the tournament.

The campus will serve as a strategic hub for a side aspiring to become the first African nation to contest in a World Cup final.

With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, the "last game" is the only match on Kofi Adams' mind. Whether the Black Stars can navigate a group that includes the 2018 finalists and the 2020 European runners-up remains the defining question of Ghana’s summer.