Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo set for emotional World Cup reunion with England

Antoine Semenyo is preparing for a personal milestone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he gets set to face England, the country of his birth, in a decisive group-stage clash.

The Ghana forward will line up for the Black Stars in Boston on June 23 in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures in Group L, which also includes Croatia and Panama.

While the occasion carries personal significance, Semenyo insists his focus remains on helping Ghana progress from a difficult group.

“It’s going to be tough, but yeah, I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s a tough group because you can’t underestimate Panama. You think it’s easy, but it’s not that easy. It will be a tough game; they won’t be a pushover.

“Croatia and England are obviously top teams. Trying to get out of the group is what we want essentially, but it’s not going to be easy at all.”

Semenyo, who chose to represent Ghana in 2022 despite being eligible for England, is expected to play a central role in attack as the team heads into the tournament.

The 26-year-old also acknowledged the weight of expectation from fans back home as Ghana aim to make an impact on the global stage.

“In Ghana, the expectation is that every ball I touch has to be in the back of the net. If it’s not, you’re crap. That’s how they are.

“They love football over there; football is everything, so when we don’t do well, it’s a meltdown. There’s a lot of pressure.”

Ghana begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before facing Croatia and England in their remaining group matches.