Michael Essien urges Black Stars to take 2026 World Cup 'game by game'

Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has called on the Black Stars to focus on each match individually as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.

Ghana will make their fifth World Cup appearance and have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.

Speaking to FIFA, Essien, who represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2014 tournaments in Germany and Brazil, acknowledged the challenges of the group but encouraged the team to approach it one match at a time.

"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 added.

The Black Stars are set to open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.