2026 World Cup: I have high hopes for Ghana - Michael Essien

Former Ghana international Michael Essien has expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ prospects at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting he expects the team to deliver a more competitive performance on the global stage.

Ghana, four-time African champions, will be making their fifth appearance at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, setting up a demanding group-stage challenge as they look to move beyond recent disappointments at the World Cup.

Ghana were eliminated at the group stage in both the 2014 edition in Brazil and the 2022 tournament in Qatar, but the former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder believes there is reason for optimism this time around.

"If they can make it out of the group stage and then go to the next stage, and if something happens, I am sure the nation will be happy, but I have high hopes for the team to perform," he told talkSPORTS.

As part of their preparations, the Black Stars played out a 1-1 draw with Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday. The result formed part of their build-up ahead of the global showpiece.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz and his squad will continue their preparations with a friendly against Jamaica on June 10 before heading to North America for the tournament.

Ghana begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and concluding their group fixtures against Croatia on June 27.

The team will be aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2010.