Former Ghana international Michael Essien has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he holds high expectations for the team as they prepare for the global showpiece.
Ghana, four-time African champions, will be making their fifth appearance at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
Despite back-to-back group-stage exits at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar, Essien believes the current squad has what it takes to restore national pride.
“If they can make it out of the group stage and then go to the next stage, and if something happens, I am sure the nation will be happy, but I have high hopes for the team to perform,” the former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder told talkSPORTS.
Ghana continued their preparations with a 1-1 draw against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, a match that formed part of their build-up to the tournament.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz and his technical team will step up preparations with another friendly against Jamaica on June 10 before the squad departs for the World Cup.
At the tournament proper, Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude their group-stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27.
The Black Stars are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
