'Anything can happen' – Michael Essien encourages Black Stars to dream at 2026 World Cup

Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has urged the Black Stars to embrace the unpredictability of tournament football as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to FIFA, Essien acknowledged that Ghana have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, but insisted that the team should not be daunted.

"That's a tough group. But there are always tough games to play, and it's up to you to win them," the 2012 Champions League winner said.

"They should take every game as it comes and do their best. It's a tournament – anything can happen. You just have to make sure you win your games and keep moving. Let's see what they can do."

Essien, who represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2014 World Cups, knows that tournaments are won not just by the strongest teams on paper but by those who handle pressure, seize moments, and grow as the competition progresses.

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, face England on June 23 in Boston, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia. With a new head coach expected to be appointed soon, Essien's message is one of belief: in a tournament, the unexpected is always possible.