2026 World Cup: Black Stars have enough quality to qualify for knockout round – Michael Essien

Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has expressed confidence that the Black Stars possess the quality to advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana, four-time African champions, will compete at the global tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

The Black Stars are aiming to improve on disappointing group-stage exits in both the 2014 and 2022 editions of the competition in Brazil and Qatar, respectively.

Essien believes the current squad is well-equipped to go further this time.

"I think the team has the quality to make it out of the group phase. They were disappointing in the last World Cup in Qatar, and as a Ghanaian, the nation is also expecting the boys to do well," the former Chelsea midfielder told talkSPORTS.

He highlighted the high-profile clash with England as one of the standout fixtures of the group, while urging the team to approach the tournament with focus and discipline.

"Ghana playing against England is a game everyone is looking up to, so let's see what they can do, but they will have to take it game by game and make sure they win."

Essien stressed that progressing beyond the group stage should be the minimum target for the Black Stars, noting that anything further would be a bonus for supporters.

“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 said.

Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Their final group fixture will be against Croatia on June 27.

The Black Stars are currently in the United States continuing their preparations, with a final pre-tournament friendly scheduled against Jamaica on June 10.