2026 World Cup: Black Stars must embrace and seize the moment - Stephen Appiah

Former Ghana captain and Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Stephen Appiah, has called on the national team to rise to the occasion and make the country proud at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana’s national team will feature at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Group L fixtures against Panama, England and Croatia.

Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Appiah—who famously captained Ghana to their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006—said the current squad carries expectations that extend beyond the country, representing African football on the global stage.

He stressed that opportunities at football’s biggest tournament are rare and must be fully embraced, urging players to remain focused and committed throughout the competition.

“I would tell them that it's their time and that's the right moment. The moment has come. They should take it. They shouldn't play with it because we have seen players who play with it, and now they are paying for whatever happens."

Appiah also pointed to the modern media landscape, noting that today’s players operate under far greater scrutiny than in previous generations, making discipline and mental strength even more crucial.

"This particular time, I think, with social media, because in 2006, there was no social media. So with social media, you have to take advantage of any chance that you get. I mean, that's what I'm going to tell them."

He further emphasized the responsibility of wearing the national jersey, saying players must understand they are not only representing Ghana but the entire African continent.

"And first, they have to know that they are playing for the African continent. So, wearing that shirt, they should know how important the shirt is. And they should fight for everything to achieve something," Appiah added.

FIFA World Cup 2026 will see Ghana begin preparations in the United States ahead of their opening Group L match against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field.

Carlos Queiroz’s side will then face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their group campaign against Croatia on June 27.

As part of their build-up, the Black Stars are scheduled to play Jamaica in an international friendly on June 10 as coaching staff look to fine-tune the squad ahead of the tournament.