Ex-Ghana defender Daniel Opare expects Black Stars to go past group stages at 2026 World Cup

Former Ghana defender Daniel Opare has backed the Black Stars to go through the 2026 World Cup group stages.

Ghana are paired in Group L alongside football powerhouses England, Croatia, and Panama at the biggest soccer mundial.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23, and wrapping up their group matches against Croatia on June 27.

In an interview with JoySports, the former Real Madrid star asserted he expects the West Africa powerhouse to go past the group stages of the World Cup.

“My expectation for them is to get out of the group stage. If we are able to get out of the group stage, we have a good chance to at least win one or two matches again” he said.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, with Ghana securing one of Africa’s nine automatic slots.

It will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.