Former Black Stars striker Abdul Majeed Waris has stressed the need for intensive preparation if Ghana are to excel at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, the ex-FC Porto and Nantes forward emphasized that the current squad must prioritize team cohesion over individual brilliance to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.

Waris’ Key Points


  • On modern football:

“Football has changed a lot. At first, it was about individual skills, but now it’s more about the team’s skills.”

  • On preparation:

“We have to prepare mentally, physically and spiritually because this is the biggest competition in the world and everybody is going to be watching them.”

  • On national pride:

“They must know that they are not going just to play a football match, they are going to represent the whole of Ghana and everybody will be cheering them on.”

Ghana’s Group L Fixtures


  • June 17 – vs Panama (Toronto, Canada)

  • June 23 – vs England (Boston, USA)

  • June 27 – vs Croatia (Philadelphia, USA)
Historical Context

  • World Cup Appearances: Ghana’s fifth, after 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.

  • Best Run: Quarter-final finish in South Africa 2010, a historic achievement for African football.

  • Waris’ Experience: Featured at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, giving him perspective on the demands of the tournament.

Waris’ call underscores the importance of mental resilience, physical conditioning, and unity as Ghana prepares to face a challenging group that includes England and Croatia. His words serve as both a reminder of the stakes and a rallying cry for the Black Stars to embrace the responsibility of representing the nation on the global stage.