Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has thrown his weight behind the idea of Ghana widening its recruitment net ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the Black Stars would be stronger, mentally and tactically, by tapping into English-born players eligible to represent the country.
Ghana have been placed in Group L for the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, where they will face Panama, England and Croatia in the opening round. The Black Stars begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before squaring up to England on June 23 and concluding the group phase against Croatia on June 27.
As anticipation builds toward what promises to be one of Ghana’s most high-profile group-stage fixtures in recent memory, Vanderpuye believes the clash with England could define the Black Stars’ World Cup narrative.
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Speaking to Citi Sports, the former Member of Parliament argued that the presence of players with deep roots in English football could tilt the psychological battle in Ghana’s favour.
“The one I’m looking forward to is the match against England,” the former MP said.
“And that’s why I want not only Semenyo, I want to have Callum Hudson-Odoi, I want to have Josh Acheampong, I want to have Rak-Sakyi. Their presence alone will give us some psychological advantage in that match.”
Beyond the mental edge, Vanderpuye also highlighted the tactical value of familiarity within elite football circles, noting how inside knowledge of opponents can shape outcomes on the pitch:
“Look, I’ve said something people don’t want to know. Bukayo Saka always has problems with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Wan-Bissaka knows him very well. In football, it’s always the case. When you know a player, you know what he’s going to do.”
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With Ghana preparing to step onto the world’s biggest stage once again, the debate over blending locally developed talent with diaspora-based professionals is gathering pace. The England fixture, in particular, is already being billed as a litmus test of the Black Stars’ readiness, not just in terms of quality, but in their ability to leverage familiarity, psychology and experience to compete with football’s heavyweights.
