World Cup 2026: Ghana under intense pressure after AFCON failure - Marcel Desailly

Former France legend Marcel Desailly has warned that expectations are reaching a tipping point for Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He cited their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a primary catalyst for immense internal and public pressure.

It was the first time in over two decades that Ghana failed to qualify for the tournament without winning a single qualifying game.

Speaking to Flashscore, the Accra-born World Cup winner highlighted how the squad's recent continental absence has completely transformed the team's dynamic.

Desailly explained that the disappointment has generated an overwhelming demand for success from the Ghanaian public while simultaneously fueling a desperate eagerness among the players to redeem themselves on the global stage.

"They've not qualified for the African Cup of Nations, so the expectation in Ghana is very high, and also for the players, they are eager to be part of international competition."

The Black Stars are entering the global tournament under the newly appointed guidance of veteran manager Carlos Queiroz, who took over following a turbulent qualification cycle.

Ghana is scheduled to kick off its World Cup campaign on June 17 against Panama in Toronto, followed by high-stakes Group L fixtures against England and Croatia.