2026 World Cup: Let us rally behind Black Stars - Ex-GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi urges Ghanaians

Former Ghana Football Association president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, has called on Ghanaians to throw their full support behind the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana will make their fifth appearance at the global tournament this summer and have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

Despite concerns over the team's recent performances, Nyantakyi remains optimistic about the Black Stars' chances, urging supporters not to lose faith in the national team.

Nyantakyi, who oversaw Ghana's most successful World Cup campaign during the quarterfinal run in 2010, believes the Black Stars are capable of surprising many if given the needed backing.

“As I told somebody yesterday, never write off any Ghana team,” Mr Nyantakyi told the Daily Graphic.

“The time that you have little faith in them is when they spring surprises. Let us rally behind them, and I think they can do well," he added.

The Black Stars have already opened camp as preparations intensify for the tournament.

As part of their build-up to the World Cup, Ghana will face Wales in an international friendly on June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium to assess their readiness.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz is also expected to officially name his 26-man squad for the tournament before the friendly encounter.

Ghana will begin their Group L campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17 before taking on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. The four-time African champions will conclude their group-stage matches against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.

Having suffered back-to-back group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups in Brazil and Qatar respectively, the Black Stars will be hoping to return to the knockout stage for the first time in more than a decade.