In a clear statement of intent for their 2026 FIFA World Cup ambitions, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has significantly expanded the technical entourage of the national team, the Black Stars. Unveiled on Friday, February 5th, this strategic enhancement aligns with the GFA’s established practice of bolstering its backroom staff in anticipation of major international tournaments, all geared towards sharpening the team’s competitive edge on the world stage.
As Head Coach Otto Addo steers the Black Stars towards the global football spectacle—set to be co-hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States—he will now benefit from the expertise of five newly appointed, highly seasoned professionals. These individuals will slot into diverse, specialized roles, collectively enriching the support structure for the national squad.
Let’s meet the new faces joining the Black Stars’ technical staff:
– *Alain Ravera (Assistant Coach):* This French football tactician brings a distinguished resume, including prior stints as assistant coach for the Guinea national team and with French Ligue 1 powerhouse AS Monaco. Ravera’s extensive experience is anticipated to furnish the Black Stars with robust tactical depth and innovative strategies.
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– *Kim Lars Björkegren (Assistant Coach):* In a noteworthy dual appointment, the acclaimed head coach of Ghana’s national women’s team, the Black Queens, will now also serve as an assistant for the Black Stars. The Swedish coach recently guided the Black Queens to an impressive bronze medal at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and successfully navigated their qualification for the 2026 WAFCON, underscoring the GFA’s profound confidence in his coaching prowess and leadership capabilities.
– *José Daniel Martínez Alfonso (Scouting and Performance Analyst):* A Spanish specialist, Martínez Alfonso’s role will be pivotal in refining the Black Stars’ scouting operations, optimizing match preparations, and conducting in-depth performance analysis. His current experience as an assistant coach and video analyst with Major League Soccer club Atlanta United FC ensures the integration of contemporary analytical methodologies and strategic insights into the team’s approach.
– *Carlos Lozano Romero (Team Physiotherapist):* A familiar and trusted figure, Lozano Romero marks his return to the Black Stars, having previously lent his expertise to the medical staff during the 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar. His reappointment guarantees seamless continuity, a deep understanding of the team’s dynamics, and a proven track record of professional medical support.
– *Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi (Performance Coach):* This British-born Ghanaian expert is tasked with elevating the physical conditioning, refining player performance, and safeguarding the overall well-being of the squad throughout the demanding World Cup journey. Described as a steadfast support figure, his contribution will be key to maintaining peak athletic form.
The GFA’s concerted effort to strengthen the technical bench is a clear demonstration of its commitment to empowering Head Coach Otto Addo with all the necessary resources for the Black Stars to leave a significant mark at the upcoming World Cup. Placed in a challenging Group L alongside formidable opponents like Panama, England, and Croatia, Ghana is resolute in its ambition to transcend its previous World Cup outings, which saw early exits in 2014 and 2022.
Through these meticulously chosen appointments, the Black Stars are signaling their unwavering dedication to forging a formidable and competitive unit, poised to contend at the highest echelons of international football and bring pride to the nation as they’re pitched in Group L of the 2026 World Cup against Panama, England and Croatia.
By: Andrews Addotey
