2026 World Cup: Fight and achieve something for Ghana - Stephen Appiah urges Black Stars

Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Stephen Appiah, has called on Ghana’s national team players to rise to the occasion and make the country proud at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The four-time African champions will feature at the global showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
Ghana are aiming to end a difficult run at the tournament, having failed to progress beyond the group stage in both the 2014 edition in Brazil and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking to 3Sports, Appiah—who captained Ghana to their historic first World Cup appearance in 2006—said the current squad carries expectations that go beyond national pride, extending to the entire African continent.
He stressed that the players must approach the tournament with focus and urgency, describing the World Cup as a rare opportunity that must be fully embraced and not taken lightly.
“I would tell them that it's their time and that's the right moment. The moment has come. They should take it. They shouldn't play with it because we have seen players who play with it, and now they are paying for whatever happens," Appiah said.
He added that the modern football environment places even greater responsibility on players due to the influence of social media, urging them to make the most of every opportunity.
"This particular time, I think, with social media, because in 2006, there was no social media. So with social media, you have to take advantage of any chance that you get. I mean, that's what I'm going to tell them."
Appiah also emphasized the symbolic weight of representing Africa on football’s biggest stage, urging the squad to fight for every moment in the national jersey.
"And first, they have to know that they are playing for the African continent. So, wearing that shirt, they should know how important the shirt is. And they should fight for everything to achieve something," Appiah added.
Ghana are already in the United States as preparations intensify ahead of their opening Group L fixture against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field.
Carlos Queiroz’s side will then face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
The team will play a final warm-up match against Jamaica on June 10 as part of their build-up to the tournament.