2026 World Cup: Black Stars can beat England - George Afriyie
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie believes the Black Stars have what it takes to pull off a surprise result against England in their second Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana head into the high-profile clash on June 23 at Gillette Stadium on a high, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening game.
A stoppage-time strike from Caleb Yirenkyi secured all three points and lifted the four-time African champions to second place in the group, behind England, who beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
Speaking on Adom FM, Afriyie said recent results in the tournament show that established football giants are no longer unbeatable, insisting Ghana should approach the match with belief.
Recalling his long involvement with the national team, including stints with the Black Stars Management Committee and as part of administrative setups at previous tournaments, he stressed that experience has taught him that reputation counts for little at this level.
“At one point, I was the chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee. On two occasions, I led the team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and later to the semi-finals. I was also part of the Emergency Committee that followed the team to Brazil,” the former Black Stars Management Committee chairman recounted.
“I have been part of the Black Stars for a very long time, and one thing I have realised is that in international football, big names do not always guarantee results.”
He pointed to surprise results involving major teams as evidence that the gap at international level has narrowed.
According to him, if Congo can hold Portugal and Morocco can match Brazil, then Ghana are equally capable of going toe-to-toe with England.
“We all know the pedigree of Portugal in international football, but if Congo can draw with Portugal, then Ghana can draw with England or even beat them,” he said.
“We all know the pedigree of Brazil, and if Morocco can draw with Brazil, then it can happen in the Ghana-England game as well.”
Afriyie added that African teams have consistently shown progress on the global stage and urged the Black Stars not to underestimate their own potential.
“We should not underestimate ourselves. England is beatable,” he stressed.
“These young boys are determined to make history. Whenever I am given the platform to speak about the Black Stars, I will only encourage them. I will say things that can inspire and motivate them. I don’t want to be negative,” he stated.
He further noted that his role, as he sees it, is to motivate rather than criticise, expressing full support for the team’s young squad.
“These young boys are determined to make history. Whenever I am given the platform to speak about the Black Stars, I will only encourage them. I will say things that can inspire and motivate them. I don’t want to be negative,” he stated.
“As an administrator, I can only encourage them. Others can discuss and dissect the team, but I choose to inspire them.”
Ghana will complete their group stage campaign against Croatia four days after the England encounter, as they aim to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010.