Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has urged Antoine Semenyo to embrace his growing status in the Black Stars setup and play a decisive role in the team’s quest to progress beyond the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana, four-time African champions, are targeting a first knockout-stage appearance since 2010 after suffering group-stage exits in both the 2014 and 2022 tournaments in Brazil and Qatar respectively.
Semenyo, who has enjoyed a remarkable rise in European football and is expected to play a central role in Ghana’s attack, has been identified as one of the key players for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Yes, he’s our poster boy,” Agyemang-Badu told Graphic Sports.
“From his former club to Manchester City, he has worked under great coaches and been given the freedom to express himself, and that’s how we need to use him.
“He needs space so he can progress the ball well because he uses both feet, is very strong on the ball and is a very intelligent player.
“So for now, you rely on him, but without pressure. We don’t want to pressure him. He should come home, enjoy his football and help us qualify from the group,” the U-20 World Cup winner, who featured for Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, added.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have begun preparations in Cardiff, with 22 players currently in camp ahead of their pre-tournament friendly against Wales on June 2.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to announce his final squad shortly before the match.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. They will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. The Black Stars will conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
