Former Ghana Football Association vice president George Afriyie believes the Black Stars have nothing to fear at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that every team in their group can be beaten.
Ghana have been drawn into a demanding Group L, where they will face England, Croatia, and Panama at next summer’s expanded global showpiece, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. On paper, it is one of the tournament’s tougher pools. Afriyie, however, sees opportunity rather than intimidation.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, the seasoned football administrator acknowledged the pedigree of Ghana’s opponents but rejected the notion that the Black Stars are underdogs with no answers.
“England, Croatia, and Panama are all beatable,” he stated.
Afriyie’s confidence goes beyond bravado. He stressed that proper preparation will be critical if Ghana are to translate belief into results on the world stage. According to him, the technical team must prioritize quality opposition in the buildup to the tournament to harden the squad tactically and mentally.
“Playing high-profile friendlies is the right approach ahead of the World Cup,” he added.
The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before a blockbuster clash with England in Boston on June 23. Their group journey will conclude with a showdown against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
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With painful early exits still fresh in memory, group-stage eliminations in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, expectations are high for a stronger showing this time around. Afriyie’s remarks echo a growing belief among Ghanaian football followers that this generation of Black Stars must move beyond promise and deliver when it matters most.
