Ghana can shock England at 2026 World Cup – George Afriyie

Soccer team posing for a group photo on the field before a match; all players in yellow kits, goalkeeper in pink, stands full of fans in the background.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 19, 2026

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie believes the Black Stars have what it takes to upset England when the two sides meet in their crucial Group L clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama on Wednesday, thanks to a late winner from Caleb Yirenkyi. The result lifted the four-time African champions to second place in the group behind England, who opened their tournament with an entertaining 4-2 win over Croatia.

Speaking to Adom FM, Afriyie dismissed suggestions that England should be considered overwhelming favourites, insisting recent results at the World Cup prove that football’s traditional powerhouses are no longer unbeatable.

“We all know the pedigree of Portugal in international football, but if Congo can draw with Portugal, then Ghana can draw with England or even beat them,” he said.

“We all know the pedigree of Brazil, and if Morocco can draw with Brazil, then it can happen in the Ghana-England game as well.”

Afriyie, who previously served on the Black Stars Management Committee during several major international tournaments, said belief and confidence would be crucial if Ghana are to produce another memorable World Cup performance.

“Big names do not always guarantee results,” he said, pointing to the growing competitiveness of African teams on football’s biggest stage.

He argued that the performances of several African nations at the tournament demonstrate that the gap between the continent’s representatives and the world’s elite continues to narrow.

“We should not underestimate ourselves. England is beatable,” Afriyie added. “These young boys are determined to make history.”

The former GFA executive also stressed that this is the time to encourage the national team rather than criticise them publicly, saying players perform best when they feel supported.

Ghana will take on England at Gillette Stadium on 23 June before rounding off their Group L campaign against Croatia four days later. Victory against England would significantly strengthen the Black Stars’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages.