Former Ghana striker Godwin Attram has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can progress beyond the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite concerns surrounding the team’s recent form.
Ghana head into the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico without a win in their last five preparatory friendlies, a run that has raised questions about the team’s readiness ahead of football’s biggest football stage.
However, Attram believes the appointment of experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz could prove crucial in transforming the fortunes of the Black Stars.
“The FA did well to appoint him, and we hope that whatever the country wants, he will deliver,” Attram told Graphic Sports.
Despite Ghana being drawn in a difficult Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team, the former striker remains optimistic about the team’s chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
“Why not?” he said confidently.
“At the end of the day, it’s just football, and if we prepare ourselves very well, in tune with whatever the players must do, I’m very sure we will qualify out of the group.”
The Black Stars are expected to continue their preparations with an international friendly against Wales national football team on June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and will hope to reach the knockout stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010. The Black Stars suffered group-stage exits in both the 2014 and 2022 tournaments.
Queiroz has already named a provisional 28-man squad, with the final team expected to be confirmed before the start of the competition.
The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
Roger De Sa has offered fresh insight into the leadership style of Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, describing the veteran manager as a collaborative and open-minded coach who values ideas from his technical team.
The assistant Black Stars coach made the remarks as Ghana continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the four-time African champions are hoping to make a strong impression after recent struggles on the international stage.
Queiroz, appointed earlier this year following the departure of former coach Otto Addo, arrived with vast experience gained from coaching several national teams, including Iran national football team, Colombia national football team, Egypt national football team and Oman national football team.
Speaking on the Beyond The Whistle podcast, De Sa highlighted the Portuguese tactician’s willingness to listen and encourage discussion within the coaching setup.
“Carlos listens. He doesn’t have to take every opinion, but he welcomes different views,” De Sa revealed.
Queiroz aiming to rebuild Black Stars
The comments come at a crucial moment for Ghanaian football, with Queiroz tasked with rebuilding confidence and restoring stability within the Black Stars ahead of the Mundial in North America.
The experienced coach has already emphasized discipline, teamwork and tactical structure since taking over the national team.
His appointment followed Ghana’s disappointing performances in recent international friendlies, including defeats to Austria and Germany, which ultimately led to Otto Addo’s dismissal.
Although Queiroz was absent for Ghana’s recent friendly against Mexico national football team, where the Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat, the technical team continues to use the matches as part of preparations for the World Cup.
The upcoming friendly against Wales national football team at Cardiff City Stadium on June 2 is expected to provide another important test before the tournament begins.
Ghana face difficult World Cup challenge
The Black Stars are preparing for their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance and have been drawn in a difficult Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team.
Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto before facing England in a highly anticipated clash on June 23 at Boston Stadium.
Their final group-stage fixture comes against Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
With expectations rising among supporters, Queiroz faces the challenge of quickly building cohesion, improving Ghana’s defensive organisation and guiding the team beyond the group stage for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
For De Sa, however, the Portuguese coach’s ability to listen, communicate and unite his staff may prove to be one of the key strengths that helps Ghana move forward under a new era
Antoine Semenyo has admitted Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations left the Black Stars dressing room devastated, describing the disappointment as one of the toughest moments for the national team in recent years.
For the first time in over two decades, Ghana national football team failed to secure a place at Africa’s biggest football tournament after a disastrous qualifying campaign that shocked supporters across the country.
The four-time African champions endured a difficult run in Group F, finishing bottom with just three points from six matches after recording three draws and three defeats.
Speaking in an interview with FIFA, Semenyo acknowledged the frustration within the squad but insisted the team has since responded positively by securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We were so frustrated that we didn’t qualify. It was very, very tough,” the forward admitted.
“But I feel like we’ve rectified that in terms of qualifying for the World Cup.”
Black Stars shift focus to the World Cup
Despite the painful AFCON disappointment, Semenyo says the squad is now fully focused on competing strongly at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The 26-year-old believes the Black Stars possess enough quality to compete against top nations and make Ghana proud on football’s biggest stage.
“But we’re not just coming to the World Cup; we want to compete on all levels,” he said.
“I feel like everyone in the team is ready to go.
“For us, we can compete with these teams. It’s just about winning games, having fun and showing the nation what we can do.”
Semenyo has emerged as one of Ghana’s most important attacking players in recent months following his outstanding club form in England.
The versatile forward enjoyed a remarkable campaign with both AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City F.C. after completing a January move to the Premier League champions.
His performances earned him a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Season award, making him the first Ghanaian player ever shortlisted for the honour.
Ghana aiming for strong World Cup campaign
Under new head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars are hoping to bounce back from recent disappointments and restore confidence ahead of the World Cup.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England national football team, Mexico national football team and Panama national football team in what promises to be a highly competitive group.
The Black Stars will head into the tournament determined to improve on their recent World Cup performances after group-stage exits in both 2014 and 2022.
For Semenyo and his teammates, the World Cup now represents an opportunity to rebuild belief among Ghanaian supporters and prove the team can once again compete at the highest level of international football.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded to growing public concern over the delay in announcing the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the technical team is carefully finalising a competitive squad capable of representing the nation with pride on football’s biggest stage.
With excitement building across the country ahead of Ghana’s fifth FIFA World Cup appearance, supporters have been anxiously waiting for head coach Carlos Queiroz to reveal his final selection for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, according to the GFA’s Head of Public Relations and Strategy, Neil Armstrong Mortagbe, there is no cause for alarm as the federation remains within FIFA’s official deadline for squad submissions.
Speaking to 3Sports, Mortagbe appealed for calm and patience while explaining that Queiroz and his technical staff are using the remaining preparation period to thoroughly assess players and build the strongest possible squad for the tournament.
“There’s a deadline that FIFA has given for countries to release their squads. Until that deadline passes, I don’t think there is anything to worry about,” he said.
“Carlos Queiroz is working behind the scenes, and they are preparing a squad that we believe will go out there and defend the honour of mother Ghana.”
Why Ghana’s squad announcement has been delayed
The delay has generated intense debate among football fans, especially after several countries already unveiled provisional lists for the World Cup.
But the GFA believes the extra time will allow the technical team to make better decisions regarding player form, fitness levels, tactical balance and squad depth.
Mortagbe explained that the recent international friendly against Mexico national football team was intentionally used as part of the assessment process before the final squad announcement.
According to him, the coaching staff wanted to test alternative options and evaluate players who could provide additional competition within the team ahead of the tournament.
“It’s a preparatory game. There’s a purpose behind the squad that was called up,” Mortagbe explained.
“From a fan’s perspective, people may have expected to see more familiar faces, but from the technical team’s point of view, they also want to assess other options that can improve competitiveness within the final squad.”
The GFA official further hinted that the squad announcement could arrive shortly after the Mexico friendly, with the technical team expected to complete its final evaluations.
Carlos Queiroz under pressure ahead of World Cup
The upcoming tournament represents a huge challenge for Queiroz, who was appointed following the dismissal of former coach Otto Addo after disappointing defeats to Austria and Germany in March.
The experienced Portuguese manager was brought in specifically to restore discipline, tactical organisation and stability within the Black Stars setup ahead of the Mundial.
Since his appointment, Queiroz has repeatedly stressed the importance of building a balanced team rather than relying solely on individual talent.
His immediate focus has been improving Ghana’s defensive structure while maintaining the attacking threat provided by players such as Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah.
The former Portugal national football team and Iran national football team coach faces enormous expectations from Ghanaian supporters, many of whom are desperate to see the Black Stars progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010.
Ghana face difficult World Cup group
Ghana have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team.
The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Football analysts believe Ghana’s opening game against Panama could prove decisive in determining whether the team advances to the knockout stages.
With preparations entering a crucial phase, all attention now turns to Queiroz’s final squad announcement, which is expected to spark major debate nationwide.
For now, the GFA insists the delay is part of a deliberate strategy aimed at ensuring Ghana heads to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the strongest and most competitive squad possible.
Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has strongly backed the inclusion of André Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the veteran forward still has plenty to offer the Black Stars.
Ayew, 36, is currently without a club following his departure from NAC Breda after their relegation from the Eredivisie. The former Black Stars captain has not featured for Ghana since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite uncertainty surrounding his international future, calls for his return have intensified in recent weeks ahead of Ghana’s World Cup campaign in North America.
Speaking to Sporty FM, Ampofo Ankrah said he would be surprised if Ayew fails to make the provisional squad, highlighting the forward’s experience and leadership qualities.
“I will be extremely surprised if Dede Ayew does not secure selection at least into the provisional squad list for the World Cup,” he said.
“Beyond his recent solid strides to regain fitness, Dede’s immense experience would be a huge asset for Ghana at the biggest football gathering of all time.”
The NSA boss becomes the latest prominent figure to advocate for Ayew’s return, with many believing his leadership and tournament experience could prove crucial for the Black Stars.
Ayew remains one of Ghana’s most experienced internationals and has represented the country at three FIFA World Cups — in 2010, 2014 and 2022. He has made 17 appearances at the tournament and scored once on football’s biggest stage.
New Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to announce his final squad for the tournament on June 1 as preparations continue ahead of the competition.
Ghana, making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama national football team, England national football team and Croatia national football team.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 18 before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Antoine Semenyo capped a memorable afternoon at Wembley by winning the Emirates FA Cup Player of the Match award after scoring the decisive goal in Manchester City’s victory over Chelsea.
The Ghana forward produced the match-winning moment in the 72nd minute with a clever first-time finish from Erling Haaland’s cross to secure a 1-0 win for City in the FA Cup final.
Semenyo’s strike not only handed Pep Guardiola’s side another domestic trophy but also saw the 26-year-old become the first Ghanaian player to score in a men’s FA Cup final.
The forward was lively throughout the game and provided the breakthrough in a tightly contested final that had struggled to produce many clear chances.
His display earned him the Player of the Match award after another outstanding performance since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in January.
Semenyo has made an immediate impact at City and continues to enjoy the best season of his career.
The goal at Wembley was his 20th in all competitions this season, a tally that also made him the highest-scoring Ghanaian player for a Premier League club in a single campaign.
The Ghana international has now won both the EFL Cup and FA Cup since arriving at Manchester City and still has the chance to add the Premier League title before the season ends.
Antoine Semenyo produced one of the great FA Cup final goals with an audacious back-flick that sealed Manchester City’s 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.
Semenyo illuminated a largely scrappy final late in the second half as he improvised a sublime finish to caress Erling Haaland’s cross into the net.
The Ghana winger’s moment of magic was enough to clinch City’s eighth FA Cup triumph and their second piece of silverware this season after the League Cup final win over Arsenal in March.
Semenyo joins Ricky Villa, Michael Owen, Roberto Di Matteo and Steven Gerrard among the ranks of iconic FA Cup final goalscorers.
Ironically, the 26-year-old — an inspired signing from Bournemouth in the January window — was born just a stone’s throw from Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge home in west London.
The third FA Cup success of Guardiola’s reign ended City’s run of two successive defeats in the final against Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
Guardiola, who also lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2019, has now won 20 trophies in his glittering decade as City manager.
His attention will turn back to City’s slender hopes of making it 21 pieces of silverware with a miracle in the Premier League title race.
City, on a 21-game unbeaten domestic run, will be five points behind leaders Arsenal if the Gunners beat relegated Burnley at home on Monday.
Guardiola’s men can close the gap back to two points with a victory at Bournemouth in their penultimate match of the season on Tuesday.
But Arsenal would still guarantee their first English title since 2004 by winning at Palace on May 24.
Ahead of his 24th trip to Wembley with City, Guardiola joked that he was “so disappointed” he has not had a stand named after him at the home of English football.
Whether he will be back with City remain a matter of conjecture.
Uncertainty has swirled around Guardiola’s future all season and, with just one year left on his contract, the 55-year-old is yet to give an indication if he plans to stay or go at the end of this term.
If it is about to be the end of an era, Semenyo ensured Guardiola will leave with at least one more golden memory.
Knockout blow
For Chelsea, the loss was the latest blow in another turbulent campaign.
Without a win in their last seven league games, they are languishing in ninth place with virtually no chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Under interim boss Calum McFarlane, they produced a battling but ultimately impotent display that underlined why frustrated fans protested against owners BlueCo before kick-off and chanted “we want our Chelsea back”.
With Chelsea content to sit deep in their five-man defence, City dominated possession for long periods of the first half, but couldn’t make the breakthrough.
It was a cagey and often flat occasion, in keeping with two teams who have underachieved this season.
Haaland fired wide from an acute angle after stealing possession on the edge of the Chelsea area.
Haaland threatened to prise open Chelsea’s well-drilled rearguard late in the first half, surging onto Marc Guehi’s pass for a stinging strike that Robert Sanchez saved at his near post.
Relying on only occasional counter-attacks, Chelsea felt aggrieved just before the interval when their penalty claim was rejected after Joao Pedro was bundled over by Abdukodir Khusanov.
Semenyo should have broken the deadlock immediately after the break, heading over from six yards after climbing to meet Nico O’Reilly’s cross.
Moises Caicedo’s header was nodded off the line by Rodri after City keeper James Trafford fumbled a corner.
But City finally delivered the knockout blow in the 72nd minute.
Haaland made a clever run down the right-hand side of the Chelsea area and cut the ball back to Semenyo, who deftly back-heeled his supreme finish into the far corner from close range.
Founder of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Rev Dr Lawrence Tetteh, has strongly advocated for the return of veteran Ghanaian midfielder Andre Ayew to the Ghana national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ayew, 36, has not featured for the Black Stars since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, but renewed debate over his international future has emerged following his January move to NAC Breda, despite the Dutch side’s relegation from the Eredivisie.
“He Carries His Father’s Spirit” – Tetteh
Speaking on GTV, Rev Dr Tetteh argued that Ayew’s leadership qualities and experience remain invaluable for a national team preparing for a major transition period.
He emphasized that beyond form, Ghana needs strong personalities who can guide younger players on and off the pitch during high-pressure tournaments.
“Dede Ayew is a motivator. He carries his father’s spirit… he is very experienced and still doing very well. We should give him the chance,” Rev Dr Tetteh said.
He further highlighted Ayew’s long-standing influence in Ghanaian football, recalling his leadership role during Ghana’s U-20 success in 2009 and his consistent presence in the senior national team over the years.
Mixed Club Form, Strong National Debate
Ayew endured a difficult end to the club season after NAC Breda’s relegation from the Dutch top flight, but his supporters believe his experience could still be crucial for Ghana on the global stage.
The debate comes as new Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz prepares to finalise his squad for the World Cup.
Ghana’s World Cup Challenge Ahead
Ghana will make their fifth World Cup appearance in 2026, with the team drawn in a tough group alongside the England national football team, Croatia national football team, and the Panama national football team.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
With selection discussions heating up, Ayew’s potential inclusion remains one of the key talking points as Ghana shapes its final squad for the global tournament.
Ghanaian youngster Caleb Yirenkyi has received another major boost in his rising career after earning a nomination for the Danish Superliga Player of the Month award for May.
The talented midfielder was shortlisted following a series of impressive performances for FC Nordsjælland during the final stretch of the 2025/26 season.
Yirenkyi has been one of the standout performers for the Danish side in recent months, earning praise for his maturity, consistency, and ability to adapt to different roles on the pitch.
Excelling in an Unfamiliar Role
Although naturally a central midfielder, the 20-year-old has recently been deployed in defence and has handled the transition remarkably well.
His calmness on the ball, tactical intelligence, and defensive awareness have helped him thrive in the unfamiliar centre-back position, further showcasing his versatility and football intelligence.
The Ghanaian’s performances have not gone unnoticed in Denmark, where he is increasingly being regarded as one of the league’s brightest emerging talents.
Breakthrough Season Continues
A graduate of the renowned Right to Dream Academy, Yirenkyi has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Nordsjælland, becoming an important figure in the team’s setup.
His impressive displays recently earned him the club’s Player of the Season award, highlighting the influence he has had throughout the campaign.
In addition to his latest nomination, Yirenkyi has also been shortlisted for both the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Season award and the overall Player of the Season honour.
Impressive Numbers
The Ghanaian midfielder has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and several assists while continuing to grow into one of Ghana’s most exciting young prospects abroad.
With his stock continuing to rise in Scandinavian football, Yirenkyi’s rapid development could soon place him firmly in contention for opportunities with the Ghana national football team in the near future.
Antoine Semenyo has etched his name into Ghanaian football history after becoming the first player from Ghana to earn a nomination for the prestigious Premier League Player of the Season award.
The Ghana international received the nomination following a sensational 2025/26 campaign split between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City, where he produced some of the best football of his career.
Semenyo recorded an impressive 16 goals and four assists in 35 league appearances, establishing himself as one of the standout performers in England’s top flight.
Semenyo’s Brilliant Rise After Manchester City Move
The 26-year-old began the season in excellent form at Bournemouth before completing a high-profile move to Manchester City during the January transfer window.
Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, Semenyo has adapted quickly under manager Pep Guardiola, becoming an important figure in City’s attacking setup.
His immediate impact was rewarded in February when he won the Premier League Player of the Month award after contributing three goals and one assist in five matches.
Historic Achievement for Ghana Football
Semenyo’s nomination represents a landmark moment for Ghanaian football.
Since the Player of the Season award was introduced in the 1994/95 campaign, no Ghanaian had previously been shortlisted despite the success of stars such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Thomas Partey in the English top flight.
The Black Stars forward now becomes the first Ghanaian to break into the elite shortlist, underlining his remarkable rise over the past year.
Strong Competition for the Award
Semenyo is competing against several high-profile names for the honour, including Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice.
Regardless of the final outcome, the nomination is already being celebrated as a major achievement for both the player and Ghanaian football as a whole.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Semenyo’s form will also provide a huge boost for the Ghana national football team as they prepare for group-stage clashes against the England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team.
