Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed belief that Ghana are fully capable of advancing from their 2026 FIFA World Cup group, despite the challenge posed by England, Croatia and Panama.
Speaking to Footy-Africa at a fan event in Accra held to watch the draw, the former Ghana defender said the team will rise to the occasion just as they did in the past.
“It’s a tricky group, but tricky groups bring out the best in us,” Paintsil said. “From my experience as a player, we have done it before, and we can do it again. So we urge Ghanaians to support us.”
Paintsil was part of Ghana’s World Cup squads in 2006 and 2010, both of which progressed from tough groups. The 2010 tournament remains the country’s greatest World Cup story, as the Black Stars advanced to the quarterfinals and came within a kick of making history for Africa.
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The 44-year-old expressed hope that the squad will be at full strength by the time Ghana line up in North America:
“We hope all our players will be fit when the time comes. Some are already recovering from injuries, and we want everyone ready and available.”
The assistant coach also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, but insisted that progress remains the only objective:
“We respect all the teams. They are strong sides, and they will push us to give our best. It’s not about how many points we get. What matters is that we qualify from the group.”
Ghana will face Panama first in Toronto on June 17, before taking on England in Boston and rounding off against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
