Unmasking The Witch Doctor Behind Ghana’s 2026 World Cup Success

From Lionel Messi’s hat-trick to Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival with a pair of goals against Uzbekistan, there have already been many magical moments at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Magic and mysticism may have even been behind one of the biggest World Cup surprises – at least that’s what one controversial Ghanaian witch doctor claims.

Who is the Witch Doctor from Ghana?

Nana Kwaku Bonsam, formerly known as Stephen Osei Mensah, is a 52-year-old priest who has made some wild sports-related claims in the past. He operates three shrines in the Ghanaian capital of Accra and, for more than 20 years, has been “helping thousands of people around the world to achieve their goals in life and fortify their spiritual selves,” according to his website.

Bonsam is a self-described herbalist who uses spiritual powers and natural remedies to help people address physical and mental health issues. However, he has been well-known in international football circles even before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Back in 2014, Bonsam claimed he helped bring injury to Ronaldo ahead of the World Cup in Brazil; Ronaldo played, and even scored in a 2-1 win against Ghana, but was limited due a knee injury and Portugal didn’t advance beyond the group stage.

Now, Bonsam is taking credit for Harry Kane’s uncharacteristic miss in the box that would have secured a 1-0 victory for England – and first place in Group L – against Ghana. Kane was dominant while scoring twice against Croatia, but sailed what looked like a sure goal well over the crossbar late in the draw against Ghana. 

Before the match, Bonsam told the Daily Star that he was “working on Harry Kane” and that he knew “what work I must do to stop him.” Whatever it was, it may have worked.

Is it Fair to Use Witchcraft at the World Cup?

We looked through the 50-page FIFA 2026 World Cup Regulations and can confirm there is no rule against using witchcraft to influence matches. So, whether or not you believe in his voodoo, the “Witch Doctor” is well within his right to focus his spiritual powers on Ghana’s opponents.

Now, it would be a different story if he used his alleged abilities to fix a match in Rwanda. That’s because in 2016 the Rwanda Football Federation (RFF) banned the use of witchcraft in matches following a controversial and hard-to-believe incident. 

Down 1-0 and looking to even his team’s match against Mukura Victory Sports, Rayon striker Moussa Camara was given a yellow card after removing an unidentified object near the opposing team’s goalpost. Mukura players chased him away, recognizing he was trying to reverse apparent witchcraft attempted by the keeper, but it was too late: Camara scored the tying goal just minutes later. 

The RFF even has strict anti-witchcraft rules in place. Teams found guilty of initiating witchcraft practices can lose three points and be fined 500,000 Rwandan Francs. The coach of the team can also be banned for up to four matches.

How Far Can Ghana Go with Nana Kwaku Bonsam’s Protection?

Since FIFA allows witchcraft in the World Cup, there’s no end to how far Bonsam may go to help Ghana become the first African nation to lift the trophy. Ghana is making its fifth World Cup appearance. They made the Round of 16 in their debut in 2006 and reached the quarter-finals four years later in South Africa, but haven’t gotten out of the group stage in their last two World Cups (2014 and 2022). 

Through the first two group stage matches, Ghana was second in Group L with four points and had an implied probability of 99.90% of making it to the Round of 32. They had World Cup odds between +12500 and +15000 to advance to the final, which would be a massive payday for those who are buying what the “Witch Doctor” is selling.

Kane, meanwhile, may be a good bet to find the back of the net in England’s Group L finale against Panama on June 27 – Bonsam said on Facebook after the England-Ghana match that he was going to “release Harry Kane so that [in] his next match he can score a goal.”