2026 World Cup: It will be a 'special game' - Jordan Ayew ahead of Ghana v England clash

Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has described Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage meeting with England as a “special game,” as anticipation builds for one of the standout fixtures in Group L.

The four-time African champions are set to face the Three Lions on June 26 at Gillette Stadium in what will be a high-profile encounter between two teams with contrasting histories on the global stage.

For Ayew, the match carries added personal significance. The 34-year-old has spent the bulk of his professional career in English football since arriving in the 2015/16 season, turning out for clubs including Aston Villa, Swansea City, Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

Speaking to FIFA, the Ghana captain reflected on his long stay in England, describing the country as a second home while maintaining his focus on the task ahead with the national team.

"It's going to be a special game. I’ve been there for 10 years; it’s like my third home because France is my second home," Ayew said.

"They've been good to me. There have been ups and downs, I’ve experienced everything there, and I have really, really enjoyed my time there. I'm still enjoying it, and hopefully there are more years to come."

Despite his emotional connection to English football, Ayew insisted Ghana will approach the match with belief and determination, even as outsiders in the eyes of many observers.

"We have to prove ourselves, and we have to show that we have quality, and we have to be ready for the challenge.

"We all know it's going to be difficult, but we are ready. Obviously, I know people don't think that we will do well, so that is good.

"I like it when people think like that. We will see when we get there," he added.

On the domestic front, Ayew endured a testing 2025/26 campaign with Leicester City, who suffered relegation to League One, though he still managed a respectable return of nine goal contributions, scoring six and providing three assists.

He also impressed during World Cup qualifying, finishing with seven goals and seven assists—joint-most in CAF qualification alongside Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura.

The Black Stars have since arrived in the United States to step up preparations for the tournament. Ghana will play Jamaica in a friendly on June 10 before opening their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.