Assistant coach of the Black Stars, John Paintsil, has expressed confidence as Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the high expectations surrounding the team.
Ghana, four-time African champions, will make their fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage this summer. After missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in over 20 years, the team bounced back to secure qualification for the World Cup.
Reflecting on past disappointments—exiting at the group stage in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022—Paintsil believes the squad now has the experience to advance further.
“When it comes to the World Cup, Ghana is now experienced. We have been to the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010,” the former Fulham and West Ham defender told 3Sports.
“Coming into this World Cup, the expectation is very high. I can’t wait to see how things will go on our side.”
A veteran of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Paintsil also emphasized the importance of player fitness ahead of the tournament.
“Like I keep saying, I want all our players to be fit so they’ll be ready for the call-up,” he added.
Drawn in Group L, Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
Ahead of the tournament, the Black Stars will regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany, followed by a final warm-up match against Mexico.
