2026 World Cup: Ghana can defy odds, says ex-GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi has dismissed doubts over the Black Stars’ prospects at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team should not be underestimated despite a difficult run of form.

Ghana, four-time African champions, are stepping up preparations for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but arrive under pressure after failing to win any of their recent friendly matches.

With less than a month to kick off, Nyantakyi pointed to Ghana’s history of rising to the occasion when expectations are low.

“As I told somebody yesterday, never write off any Ghana team,” the former CAF 1st vice president told the Daily Graphic.

“The time that you have little faith in them is when they spring surprises. Let us rally behind them, and I think they can do well," Mr Nyantakyi added.

The Black Stars will make their fifth World Cup appearance in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. They begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, face England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field.

The team is currently in Cardiff, where they are preparing for a friendly against Wales on June 2 as part of their final build-up.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has named a provisional 28-man squad, with the final selection expected to be confirmed on June 1.

Ghana will be hoping to move beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010, following early exits in 2014 and 2022.