2026 World Cup: Antoine Semenyo must approach tournament with humility – Marcel Desailly

Former France international Marcel Desailly has backed Antoine Semenyo to play a pivotal role for the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but has cautioned the forward against letting his growing status overshadow the team's collective ambitions.

Semenyo heads into the tournament as one of Ghana's most influential players following his impressive rise in European football and subsequent move to Manchester City.

With expectations mounting ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Desailly believes the attacker has the qualities required to inspire Ghana during difficult moments.

Speaking to Flashscore, the World Cup-winning defender described Semenyo as the type of player capable of changing games through moments of individual brilliance.

"He's that individual player that when you are facing challenges, with one move, one run, he can allow Ghana to stay in the game," he told Flashcore.

While praising the forward's ability, Desailly stressed the importance of discipline and humility, warning that Semenyo's profile as a Manchester City player should not place him above the team.

"So this is what we are expecting from him. Be disciplined. Don't take advantage because you are a Manchester City player, you are a star, you are arriving in Ghana, and you are stronger than the entity and the team. You understand?

The former Chelsea defender emphasized that Semenyo's responsibility extends beyond individual performances, insisting that he must use his talent to lift the team when they encounter adversity during the tournament.

"So he really needs to come in with humility and be that top player that can make the difference. The issue is he needs to stay disciplined even though he's a Manchester City player, and he's one of the stars. We need him to be one of the key players who can allow them, when they are in a difficult situation, to rise a little bit."

Desailly also acknowledged the immense pressure surrounding the Black Stars ahead of the World Cup. Ghana enters the tournament seeking redemption after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a disappointing outcome that intensified scrutiny on the national team.

According to Desailly, that setback has raised expectations among supporters, while simultaneously motivating players eager to restore pride and compete on football's biggest stage.

"They've not qualified for the African Cup of Nations, so the expectation in Ghana is very high, and also for the players, they are eager to be part of an international competition."

Semenyo is expected to be one of Ghana's key attacking threats as the Black Stars aim to navigate a challenging group and make a deep run in the tournament.

The forward's pace, strength and ability to produce decisive moments have made him one of the country's most important assets heading into the competition.

Ghana will be making its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and has been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

The four-time African champions will begin their campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17 before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Croatia on June 27.

Under the leadership of Queiroz, Ghana will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage and reach the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2010 World Cup.