'Monitor your opponents or suffer' – Samuel Inkoom warns Black Stars ahead of 2026 World Cup

Former Black Stars defender Samuel Inkoom has stressed the critical importance of opponent analysis ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that failure to properly study rivals will make Ghana's tournament campaign unnecessarily difficult.

Speaking to Connect FM 97.1, Inkoom emphasized that modern football demands far more than just talent on the pitch.

"If you're going to the World Cup without properly monitoring your opponents, the tournament will be very difficult for you, and you won't enjoy the tournament," he said.

The former right-back, who was part of Ghana's 2010 World Cup squad that reached the quarter-finals, knows firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level. His comments come as the Black Stars intensify preparations for a challenging group stage against England, Croatia, and Panama.

Inkoom praised the Ghana Football Association's recent additions to the technical team, viewing the move as evidence of serious planning.

"The pre-tournament preparation by the GFA and the Sports Ministry has been great. The new addition to the technical team is a good one. Football is all about preparation, and I am happy we are preparing well."

The expanded technical bench includes personnel focused on scouting and match analysis, underscoring the growing emphasis on data-driven preparation in modern football.

Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before facing England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.