2026 World Cup: Ghana v England clash will be a special game - Jordan Ayew
Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has described his country’s upcoming World Cup meeting with England as a “special game”, calling the Three Lions a “third home” as he prepares to return to familiar surroundings in a high-stakes Group L encounter.
The four-time African champions face England on Tuesday, June 23, at Gillette Stadium in their second group match, having begun their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory. A positive result could strengthen their push toward the knockout stage.
Ayew, who has spent more than a decade in English football since joining Aston Villa in the 2015-16 season, said the familiarity of the setting adds extra meaning to the contest.
The forward has also featured for Swansea City, Crystal Palace and Leicester City during his time in England.
Reflecting on his career, Ayew said England had become a second football home after France, where he also spent part of his development years.
"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 told FIFA.com.
"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."
Looking ahead to the fixture, Ayew insisted Ghana are ready for the challenge despite outside doubts about their chances.
"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."
Ayew was one of Ghana’s standout performers in World Cup qualifying, registering 14 goal involvements — seven goals and seven assists — the joint-highest tally in CAF qualifying alongside Algeria’s Mohammed Amoura.
Ghana have, however, struggled for consistency at the tournament, winning just one of their last seven World Cup matches, a 3-2 victory over South Korea at the 2022 finals.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT, with Ghana knowing that another positive result could edge them closer to the knockout rounds. Carlos Queiroz’s side will conclude their Group L campaign against Croatia on June 27.