World Cup: Daniel Opare wades into Ghana’s preparations

Former Ghana defender Daniel Opare has added his voice to the nation’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars are paired in Group L alongside Europeans England and Croatia, as well as CONCACAF representatives Panama.

The four time African champions who are making their fifth appearance at the mundial will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23, and wrapping up their group matches against Croatia on June 27.

With coach Carlos Queiroz replacing Otto Addo, Ghanaians are expecting a better performance and Opare is no exception.

Ghana is appearing at their 5 World Cup

“My expectation for them is to get out of the group stage. If we are able to get out of the group stage, we have a good chance to at least win one or two matches again” he told JoySports.

“This is football, anything can happen. They can really surprise us. Sometimes, it takes an individual to change the whole game.

“If they keep up with the mentality of we’re here to play, win, build ourselves’ with that one spirit, I think they are capable.”

Ghana is highly likely to be without Tottenham Hotspur forward, Mohammed Kudus who is out injured.

The absence of the former West Ham United man has shaken Ghanaians and Opare admits that Kudus’ services will be missed by the technical team.

Mohammed Kudus out of the World Cup

“If he doesn’t come back, we’re in deep trouble. Like I said, football is, you know, the ones there can play, but I think with Kudus in there, he will add more value to the team.

“So, you know, fingers crossed, we pray that he recovers on time so that he can make the World Cup. You understand.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team wirh FIFA increasing the financial benefit to Member Associations.

Ghana previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.