Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has challenged the Black Stars to approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup with ambition, urging the team to focus on advancing beyond the group stage rather than simply making up the numbers.
Ghana, four-time African champions, will take part in the global showpiece scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer. The West African nation has been placed in a competitive Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
Kingston, who was part of Ghana’s golden generation but narrowly missed out on featuring at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, believes the country’s proud football history requires the current squad to set higher standards.
“My expectations are simple. Ghana has a lot of respect in Africa — our mindset is not to just go and participate,” the Uganda junior national team coach told Graphic Sports.
“We are expected to go out there and do well, and I believe we will at least make it out of the group,” he added.
The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing European heavyweights England on June 23. Their final group fixture will see them take on Croatia on June 27 as they look to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
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As part of preparations for the tournament, Ghana are scheduled to reconvene in March for international friendly matches against Austria and Germany. The build-up will also include a final pre-tournament test against Mexico in May.
During the competition, the team will set up camp at Bryant University in the United States, which will serve as their training base throughout the World Cup.
Ghana head into the tournament determined to restore pride after disappointing early exits at the 2014 and 2022 editions of the competition, with hopes high that the next generation of Black Stars can make a deeper run on North American soil.
