I have high hopes for the team to perform – Micheal Essien Backs Black Stars ahead of 2026 World Cup
Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien believes the Black Stars have what it takes to progress beyond the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite being drawn alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The four-time African champions will begin their campaign in Group L at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ghana will be aiming for a much-improved showing after suffering group-stage exits at both the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Essien, however, is optimistic that the current squad can rise to the occasion.
“I think the team has the quality to make it out of the group phase,” Essien told talkSPORTS.
“They were disappointing in the last World Cup in Qatar, and as a Ghanaian, the nation is also expecting the boys to do well.”
One of the most anticipated matches in Group L will see Ghana take on England, a fixture Essien believes will capture global attention.
“Ghana playing against England is a game everyone is looking up to, so let’s see what they can do,” he said.
“But they will have to take it game by game and make sure they win.”
The former Chelsea midfielder stressed that reaching the knockout stage should be the minimum objective for the Black Stars, while acknowledging that any further progress would delight supporters back home.
“If they can make it out of the group stage and then go to the next stage, and if something happens, I am sure the nation will be happy,” Essien added.
“But I have high hopes for the team to perform.”
Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on 17 June at BMO Field before facing England six days later at Gillette Stadium. Their final group match will be against Croatia on 27 June.
The Black Stars are currently in the United States fine-tuning preparations for the tournament and will conclude their warm-up schedule with a friendly against Jamaica on 10 June.
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