2026 World Cup: Black Stars have the quality to reach knockout stages, says Michael Essien

Former Ghana international Michael Essien has expressed confidence that the Black Stars possess the quality to advance to the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time African champions are set to compete at the global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

Ghana are aiming to improve on disappointing group-stage exits at both the 2014 and 2022 World Cups in Brazil and Qatar respectively, and Essien believes the current squad has what it takes to go further this time.

"I think the team has the quality to make it out of the group phase. They were disappointing in the last World Cup in Qatar, and as a Ghanaian, the nation is also expecting the boys to do well," the former Chelsea midfielder told talkSPORTS.

He added that the much-anticipated clash with England will be a key fixture for fans, but stressed the importance of a step-by-step approach.

"Ghana playing against England is a game everyone is looking up to, so let's see what they can do, but they will have to take it game by game and make sure they win."

Essien also noted that progressing beyond the group stage should be seen as the minimum target, while expressing optimism about a deeper run in the competition.

“If they can make it out of the group stage and then go to the next stage, and if something happens, I am sure the nation will be happy, but I have high hopes for the team to perform.”

The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 and concluding their group fixtures against Croatia on June 27.

Ghana are currently in the United States as part of their preparations, with a final warm-up match against Jamaica scheduled for June 10.