Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has called on the Black Stars to embrace the challenge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and prove their worth on football’s biggest stage.
The West African giants are among the ten African nations set to compete at this year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Drawn in a demanding Group L, Ghana will come up against Panama, England and Croatia as they seek a place in the knockout rounds.
Following Ghana’s 1-1 international friendly draw against Wales in Cardiff, Ayew stressed the importance of entering the competition with confidence and determination. The experienced forward believes the squad possesses the talent required to compete with any opponent but insists the players must demonstrate that quality when the tournament begins.
“We have to prove ourselves, and we have to show that we have quality, and we have to be ready for the challenge,” he told FIFA.
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The Black Stars skipper acknowledged that expectations from outsiders may not be particularly high, but he sees that as added motivation for the squad to surprise critics.
“We all know it’s going to be difficult, but we are ready. Obviously, I know people don’t think that we will do well, so that is good,” the former Leicester City forward added.
Ghana’s preparations have now shifted to North America, where the team has already established its training base ahead of the tournament. Their World Cup journey begins on June 17 against Panama at BMO Field before a highly anticipated clash with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23.
The four-time African champions will then complete their group-stage schedule against Croatia on June 27, a fixture that could prove decisive in determining their fate in the competition.
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Before attention turns fully to the World Cup, Ghana will fine-tune preparations with a final warm-up encounter against Jamaica on June 10 as Otto Addo’s side looks to build momentum for the global showpiece.
