"It's a strong group"- Elisha Owusu relishes England, Croatia and Panama challenge at World Cup

Ghana midfielder Elisha Owusu insists the Black Stars have a tough task ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but believes the team has what it takes to go far at the tournament. 

The Black Stars qualified for a fifth World Cup after finishing top of Group I of the qualifiers in Africa, winning eight of the ten games.

Owusu played a role during the qualifiers and he is expected to make Otto Addo's squad for the tournament in North America, his second since deciding to represent the West Africans.

“It would be an honour and a big blessing to play the World Cup for my country,” he told Ligue 1, as quoted by Flashscore. “But I try not to think about it too much. For me life is about process. I take it day by day… and leave the rest to God," he added.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside 1966 winners England, 2018 finalist Croatia and Panama.

“It’s a strong group. A really, really strong group. Croatia and England are big teams, and Panama also has quality. I like it because we will have big games," continued Owusu.

Owusu also believes Ghana will benefit from favourable weather conditions in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

“Our main goal is to go far in the World Cup and to show the world that African football is feared. We won’t go there just to participate; we want to perform with all humility and show the world what Ghana can do," he said.

“We are used to playing in such conditions in Ghana and Africa, so I think it could help us. But football is football, both teams will play under the same weather conditions.”