In Ghana, every touch must count or you’re judged harshly, says Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo has opened up on the intense expectations that come with representing Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting the pressure from fans remains constant despite his rising profile at club level.

The Manchester City forward says he expects strong family support during the tournament in the United States, but is equally aware of the scrutiny that follows every performance in a Black Stars shirt.

“I imagine [my family will be watching me in the States], yeah,” Semenyo said. “Mum and Dad will be there, for sure. Uncles and aunties, they will probably be there too to be honest. There’ll be loads of them.

“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.”

Semenyo made his Ghana debut in 2022 and has scored three goals in 34 appearances, a return that contrasts with his impact in the Premier League, where he has developed into one of the more dangerous attacking options.

His high-profile move from Bournemouth to Manchester City in the January transfer window, a deal that made him Ghana’s most expensive player, has further raised expectations ahead of the World Cup.

With Ghana set to face Panama, Croatia and England in the group stage, Semenyo is likely to carry a significant share of the attacking responsibility as the Black Stars aim to progress beyond the first round.