By Yomi Kuku, Toronto Canada
The Ghanaian diaspora in Canada is brimming with excitement as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, with strong confidence that the Black Stars of Ghana will make a significant impact on football’s biggest stage.
Mr. Emmanuel C. Duodu, President of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO), expressed unwavering optimism about Africa’s prospects in an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12.
“As an African and a Ghanaian, it is my hope and conviction that all the African teams likely will go to the finals,” Duodu says.
Reflecting on previous World Cup tournaments, he highlighted the scale and passion that followed Ghana wherever it played.
“I tell people that when we played in South Africa, it was crazy. When we played in Germany, it was massive. Now, I guess having the opportunity to play in Toronto and North America is going to be bonkers.”
According to Duodu, the GCAO is fully committed to ensuring the Black Stars feel completely at home while competing in Canada.
“We want them to feel they’re playing in Kumasi Stadium or Accra Stadium,” he explains.
He emphasized the unity of the Ghanaian community abroad and their shared mission to support the team.
“To the fans back home, we want them to know that those of us in Canada are united, one front, one mind,” Duodu says.
Behind the scenes, preparations are already underway to create a familiar and supportive environment for the players.
“Our excitement level is very high. And we will do anything, that will prepare the ground for them to excel. even if they want to make sure that they have local food, that will make them feel at home, we’re ready to do that. We want them to feel that they are not playing on a foreign soil. We want them to feel that they are playing in Kumasi Stadium or Accra Stadium.”
“When you look at the field, you see the color. In their mindset, yes, we are playing in Toronto. Our spirit is like Ghana.”
Duodu stressed that the team’s focus should remain firmly on football and national pride, rather than the attractions of the host cities.
“We (Black Stars) are not coming to look at the beautiful sky or tall buildings in Toronto. We are here to play the football match. That’s what it is. We are here to elevate the image of Ghana, Africa, and, you know, black people in general”, that should be the team’s focus.
Addressing Ghanaian supporters planning to travel for the World Cup, Duodu underscored the importance of unity and shared purpose.
“The fans back home, we want them to know that those of us in Canada over here, there is no demarcation line between Ghanaian fans (in Canada) and those in Ghana. We are united, one front, one mind and we want them to feel positive, to know that this is one in a lifetime that we are doing such a thing, it doesn’t happen often.”
“We wouldn’t have a World Cup much here, who knows. So really, it’s a generational thing, you know, and those who intend to come, that’s okay. But we want them to feel that the rate of positivity is so high over here. That over here, we are not going to play second fiddle.”
Beyond football, Duodu highlighted the broader significance of Africa’s participation on the global stage.
“I always tell people, whether it’s football, sports, it’s more than just a game. It is an elevation of a community, a country, identity, and making sure that we can drive positive images. Because more often than not, anything that they project about Africa is negative.”
“So we want to use this to let you know that if you don’t know where Ghana is, Ghana is at the west coast of Africa. And Ghana, I guess, is maybe a little bit percentage of that continent. It means there are so many positive things in Africa.”
Duodu concluded by reaffirming that Africa’s presence at the World Cup goes far beyond competition.
“We’re coming to play football, but we want you to know Africa’s a continent of huge potential,” Duodu concludes.