Majeed Waris: “Good preparation and mental focus key for Ghana at 2026 World Cup”

Former Ghana international Majeed Waris has stressed the importance of adequate preparation and mental focus for the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana are set to compete at the global stage after securing one of Africa’s slots. The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format.

The Black Stars are paired in Group L against European giants, England, 2018 World Cup finalists, Croatia and Panama. Ghana will open their account against Panama before taking on England and Croatia respectively.

Speaking to Citi Sports, the former Black Stars attacker stressed the importance of preparation and concentration ahead of the Mundial.

“I wouldn’t say that because I think we have a good team to win each of those games,” he said.

“What it comes down to is the preparation and then focusing mentally because at that stage you cannot switch off even for a minute because that can turn everything around.”

Ghana have begun preparations in Cardiff ahead of their pre-World Cup friendly against Wales, slated for June 2, with head coach Carlos Queiroz overseeing training sessions at Dragon Park.

The Black Stars are expected to spend a week training in Cardiff before taking on Wales on June 2, after which the team will travel to the United States for the next phase of preparations.

Queiroz is expected to use the training period and friendly matches to evaluate his squad before naming Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The upcoming tournament will be Ghana’s fifth appearance at the global stage, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.