2026 World Cup: We need to stay positive to achieve our goals - Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi

Lawrence Ati-Zigi has called on his teammates in the Ghana national football team to maintain focus and adopt a strong positive mindset as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The Black Stars, representing Ghana at the global tournament for a fifth time, are aiming to progress beyond the group stage after successive early exits in 2014 and 2022.

Drawn in Group L, Ghana will face Panama, England, and Croatia in what is expected to be a highly competitive section.

Ati-Zigi stressed that mentality could prove decisive, especially when matches become difficult, urging his colleagues to sustain belief and resilience throughout the tournament. He emphasized that a winning attitude would be crucial to helping the team achieve its objectives on the world stage.

“They have to have a positive mindset because it gets to a point when things aren’t going well. I think that’s when we need this winning mentality and winning spirit," the St. Gallen goalkeeper told the Ghana FA Media.

"I think they just need this to help the team achieve better goals," Ati-Zigi added.

The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17, before taking on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Their final group match will be against Croatia on June 27.