2026 World Cup: Everyone is ready – Fatawu Issahaku ahead of Black Stars opener

Two soccer players sprint for the ball during a match, the yellow-clad player wearing number 7 in the lead while the opponent in white and teal pursues closely.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 13, 2026

Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku says confidence is growing within the Black Stars camp as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Leicester City forward believes the team’s final phase of training in Providence, Rhode Island, is helping the players build momentum ahead of their tournament opener against Panama next week.

Ghana arrived in Rhode Island on Thursday evening after completing a week-long training camp in Virginia, which followed their international friendly against Wales in Cardiff.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz and his 26-man squad returned to the training pitch on Friday as they continued fine-tuning plans for their opening Group L fixture.

Speaking from camp, Issahaku expressed satisfaction with both the atmosphere among the players and the progress being made on the field.

“So far, so good,” he said. “The energy in camp is very positive and everyone is ready. Training has been going well and we’re focused on preparing for the tournament.

“Personally, I’ve really enjoyed the sessions. I can already see improvements in the team. We’re getting fitter, sharper and ready for the game.”

The Black Stars’ training camp in Virginia included intensive sessions at American University and D.C. United’s training facilities. The squad also took time to engage with members of the Ghanaian community in Alexandria during a farewell dinner before travelling to Rhode Island.

With preparations entering their final stages, Ghana will remain in Providence before heading to Toronto for their opening World Cup match against Panama on 17 June.

The four-time African champions will then face England in Boston on 23 June before concluding their Group L campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June.

As anticipation builds ahead of the tournament, Issahaku’s positive assessment reflects a growing belief within the Ghana camp that the team is moving in the right direction at a crucial stage of their World Cup journey.