Former Ghana winger Laryea Kingston has described the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup group as challenging, urging the team to approach every match with focus and respect.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama — a combination Kingston believes demands full concentration from the four-time African champions.
Now serving as a coach with Uganda’s youth national teams, Kingston specifically cautioned against underestimating Panama, noting that their qualification was well deserved.
“Ghana is in a tough group. I will advise the Black Stars not to underestimate Panama. Their qualification to the tournament was not just by fluke,” he said.
He also praised Croatia and their coach, Zlatko Dalic, revealing a personal connection that makes the fixture even more intriguing.
“Croatia is a very good side. They have a very good coach, who is a friend of mine. He is mentoring me. It’s going to be interesting, and I’m looking forward to that,” Kingston added.
The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Panama in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston. They will then wrap up the group stage against 2018 runners-up Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
The 2026 tournament marks Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, following previous outings in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their best performance came in South Africa in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals.
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