Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has urged caution and realism ahead of the Black Stars’ return to the FIFA World Cup, saying progression from the group stage would already represent a positive outcome in 2026.

Speaking to Sporty FM Ghana, the former winger played down expectations of a deep run at the tournament, stressing that fitness concerns within the squad remain his biggest worry.

“For me, I don’t really expect anything more than for us to go through the group stage,” Kingston said. “I’ll be happy for us to go through the group stage, but my worry is that some of the players have picked up injuries.”

Ghana are preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, as they look to move past the disappointments of recent tournaments.

Kingston believes the Black Stars’ chances will depend heavily on the physical condition of key players and the ability of head coach Otto Addo to have his trusted core fit and ready.

“If Otto Addo gets these trusted players fit, then we can do something,” he added.

Despite his cautious outlook, Kingston expressed confidence in the team’s understanding under Addo, who has worked with much of the squad over an extended period.

“Otto Addo has been with these players for some time, and I am told that they now understand themselves, so he should be comfortable with the players as well,” he said.

Ghana exited at the group stage in Qatar in 2022 and have not progressed beyond the first round since their historic quarter-final run in South Africa in 2010.

As preparations intensify for 2026, Kingston’s comments reflect a blend of optimism and realism, a reminder that for the Black Stars, steady progress may be the first step towards restoring belief on football’s biggest stage.