Antoine Semenyo calls second World Cup 'a dream come true' as Black Stars gear up for 2026 campaign

Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has described the prospect of featuring at another FIFA World Cup as “surreal”, saying it represents a dream fulfilled after a rapid rise to the top of the game.

The 26-year-old, who played at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, has enjoyed a remarkable career trajectory in recent years. After a challenging start in professional football, he joined Bournemouth in January 2023, where he quickly established himself as a key player.

His progress continued at pace, culminating in a high-profile move to Manchester City earlier this year in a deal worth more than £60 million.

Now a regular at one of Europe’s elite clubs and a decisive figure in the FA Cup final, Semenyo stands on the brink of appearing at his second World Cup.

“It’s surreal to be honest. I speak to my friends about it all the time. I didn't think I would ever make it this far,” Semenyo told FIFA in an interview.

“I thought just being a professional was enough – signing for Bristol City was enough for me.

"So, to say that I'm going to (another) World Cup… yeah, it's amazing," he added.

Semenyo missed Ghana’s friendly against Mexico but is expected to return for the clash with Wales on June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Black Stars are preparing for their fifth World Cup appearance, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17, before facing England in Boston on June 23. They will round off the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

After back-to-back group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022, the four-time African champions will be hoping to finally progress beyond the opening round in North America.