Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has cautioned against the Black Stars building their 2026 World Cup plans around a single player, stressing the importance of collective strength over individual reliance.
His comments come amid growing public focus on Antoine Semenyo as Ghana’s standout attacking hope, especially with Mohammed Kudus ruled out of the tournament to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Semenyo’s rise has been one of the standout narratives of the season, with the forward delivering an impressive campaign that has elevated his profile in European football.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough year in England, winning two domestic trophies in his debut season at Manchester City and finishing with more than 20 goals across all competitions, including 17 Premier League goals — the third-highest tally in the division. He had previously spent the first half of the season at AFC Bournemouth.
But Agyemang Badu, who featured for Ghana at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, insists such individual brilliance should complement the team rather than define it.
“An anchor of the team, yes. But building the team solely around one person, I don’t buy that idea,” he told Graphic Sports.
“What happens if he gets injured? Then your team is messed up,” he added.
He further stressed that World Cup success cannot be driven by hype or reliance on star names alone.
Ghana have begun preparations in Cardiff, with 22 players currently in camp ahead of their friendly against Wales on June 2. Head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to name his final squad before the match.
The Black Stars, appearing at their fifth World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
Their campaign begins against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. The group stage concludes against Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Ghana are targeting a return to the knockout stages for the first time since 2010.
