2026 World Cup: Black Stars players are determined to perform, says Stephen Appiah

Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Stephen Appiah, has expressed confidence that Ghana’s players are eager to make a strong impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the squad is highly motivated ahead of the tournament.

Ghana, four-time African champions, are set to make their fifth appearance at the global showpiece, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, setting up a challenging group-stage campaign.

Having suffered back-to-back group-stage exits at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar, Appiah says the current playing body is determined to deliver a far improved performance this time around.

"The players cannot wait to get to the Mundial to perform and show what they can offer the team, so I am happy as a Ghanaian, and the support of the country, the players are determined to impress at the World Cup," the former Black Stars skipper told Asempa FM.

Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on June 17, before taking on England in Boston on June 23, and concluding the group stage against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.

Ahead of the tournament, the Black Stars will fine-tune preparations with friendly matches against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2.