Former captain and Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Stephen Appiah, has called on the national team to rise to the occasion and make the country proud at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana, represented by the Ghana national football team, will feature at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The four-time African champions are aiming to go beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010, having exited at the group phase in both 2014 and 2022.
Speaking to 3Sports, Appiah—who famously captained Ghana to their historic first World Cup appearance in 2006—said the current squad carries expectations that extend beyond the nation, representing African football on the global stage.
He urged the players to treat the opportunity with urgency and discipline, stressing that World Cup appearances are rare and must be fully embraced when they come.
“I would tell them that it’s their time and that’s the right moment. The moment has come. They should take it. They shouldn’t play with it because we have seen players who play with it, and now they are paying for whatever happens.”
Appiah added that modern players must also be aware of the heightened scrutiny that comes with social media, unlike in 2006.
“This particular time, I think, with social media, because in 2006, there was no social media. So with social media, you have to take advantage of any chance that you get. I mean, that’s what I’m going to tell them.”
He further emphasized the responsibility of wearing the national jersey, saying players must understand they are not only representing Ghana but the entire African continent.
“And first, they have to know that they are playing for the African continent. So, wearing that shirt, they should know how important the shirt is. And they should fight for everything to achieve something,” Appiah added.
Meanwhile, the team, led by head coach Carlos Queiroz, are already in the United States as they step up preparations for their opening Group L fixture against Panama on June 17.
The match will be played at BMO Field, before Ghana face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, and wrap up their group campaign against Jamaica on June 27.
As part of their build-up, the Black Stars will also take on Jamaica in a pre-tournament friendly on June 10 as coaches look to fine-tune the squad ahead of the global showpiece.
