2026 World Cup: The Black Stars should play very compact – Anthony Baffoe

Eleven soccer players in white uniforms pose for a team lineup on the field, with a neon-green-clad goalkeeper on the left and a crowd in the stands behind them.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka May 27, 2026

Former Ghana captain Anthony Baffoe has urged the Black Stars to adopt a more disciplined and compact style of play as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Ghana national football team secured qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team.

The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in what is expected to be a demanding group.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Baffoe said Ghana must adapt its approach to match the realities of modern international football, insisting tactical discipline and proper use of players will be key to success.

“We all wish the players good luck and for me the coach should have the adequate formation in regards to the players he has,” he said.

“I don’t think we are the Ghana like some years back that we play dominant football. I believe that we have to be compact and use the players accordingly.”

Baffoe also highlighted the importance of maximising the strengths of key attacking players, including Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew.

“How do we put, for instance, Antoine Semenyo, who had a fantastic season in the Premier League, appropriately? How do we use Jordan? I’m just mentioning names appropriately,” he added.

“So for me, I think we should play very, very compact because the intensity is going to be very, very high.”

Despite concerns over Ghana’s recent performances, the former defender reiterated his support for head coach Carlos Queiroz, the technical team and the squad.

“We are Ghanaians, we always remain Ghanaians. Sometimes we are not happy but as soon as the World Cup starts kicking off, we are 100% behind the team,” he said.

The Black Stars are currently training in Cardiff ahead of a pre-World Cup friendly against Wales national football team on 2 June.

Queiroz is expected to use the training camp and upcoming friendlies to assess his options before naming Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the tournament.

Ghana have previously appeared at the World Cup in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022, with their best run coming in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.