World Cup 2026: Ghana unveils its bold ambitions
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Black Stars’ assistant coach, John Paintsil, says that the experience gained and the rigorous preparation should allow Ghana to aim high this summer.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Black Stars’ assistant coach, John Paintsil, says that the experience gained and the rigorous preparation should allow Ghana to aim high this summer.
Optimism is returning around the Black Stars. A few months before the FIFA World Cup 2026, Ghana’s assistant coach, John Paintsil, stressed the high ambitions that accompany the West African national team.
Four-time African champions, the Ghanaian nation is preparing to compete in its fifth FIFA World Cup finals. A qualification that has given hope to supporters, despite the team’s conspicuous absence at the last Africa Cup of Nations, the first in more than two decades.
Asked by 3Sports, the former defender, who played notably for Fulham FC and West Ham United, recalled the experience accumulated by the national team: « As far as the World Cup is concerned, Ghana now has experience. We reached the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarterfinals in 2010.»
Realistic about the more recent disappointments — first-round exits in 2014 and 2022 — Paintsil nonetheless believes that this past should serve as a lever. «As this World Cup approaches, expectations are very high. I can’t wait to see how things will unfold on our side», he added. The deputy on the technical staff also stressed a crucial point: the players’ physical condition. «I want all our players to be in good shape, so that they are ready to answer the call of the national team», he stressed.
Placed in Group L, the Ghanaians will begin their campaign on June 17 against Panama, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27. To ramp up, the Black Stars will play several friendly matches in the spring, notably against Austria, Germany, and Mexico. A gradual ramp-up to fuel big ambitions on the world stage.
