Ghana midfielder Elisha Owusu has weighed in on the nation’s chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the clock ticking fast to the global football festival in June.

The Black Stars qualified for its fifth FIFA World Cup after topping Group I with 25 points following a 1-0 win against Comoros in the final day of the qualifiers in October last year.

Elisha Owusu who plays for Auxerre said: “It’s a strong group. A really, really strong group. Croatia and England are big teams, and Panama also has quality. I like it because we will have big games,” he told Ligue 1.

Owusu has made sixteen appearances for Ghana

“Our main goal is to go far in the World Cup and to show the world that African football is feared. We won’t go there just to participate; we want to perform with all humility and show the world what Ghana can do.”

The four time African champions have lined up three pre-World Cup friendlies against European power Germany, Austria and Mexico to shape up for the FIFA World. Ghana will face Germany and Austria in March before rounding up preparations with a game against co-host Mexico in May.

Owusu who is likely to make the squad barring any unforeseen circumstance believes the pre-World Cup friendlies will test Ghana’s readiness.

“It’s really good to face top teams. It shows us where we are and gives us a chance to compete at a high level. I really like that challenge.

Owusu, who has made 18 Ligue 1 appearances for Auxerre this season has 16 caps for the Black Stars. Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia in Group L at the tournament to be co-hosted by Canada, America and Mexico.

Elisha Owusu Confident About Ghana’s Chances at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Ghana midfielder Elisha Owusu has shared his thoughts on the Black Stars’ prospects ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the four-time African champions can compete strongly on the global stage.

The Black Stars secured qualification for their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance after finishing top of Group I with 25 points. A narrow 1-0 victory over Comoros on the final day sealed their ticket to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.

As anticipation builds toward June’s global football showpiece, Elisha Owusu believes Ghana must approach the tournament with ambition rather than mere participation.

Elisha Owusu Reacts to Ghana’s Tough World Cup Group

Speaking to Ligue 1, Elisha Owusu acknowledged the difficulty of Ghana’s group but insisted the challenge is one the team welcomes.

“It’s a strong group. A really, really strong group. Croatia and England are big teams, and Panama also has quality. I like it because we will have big games,” he said.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. The group promises intense competition, with two European heavyweights and a rising CONCACAF side standing between the Black Stars and the knockout stages.

According to details published on the official FIFA website (https://www.fifa.com), the 2026 edition will feature expanded participation, making qualification from each group even more competitive.

Despite the difficulty, Elisha Owusu remains optimistic about Ghana’s ability to perform on the world stage.

Elisha Owusu Determined to Showcase African Football

The Auxerre midfielder emphasised that Ghana’s objective is not simply to make up the numbers.

“Our main goal is to go far in the World Cup and to show the world that African football is feared. We won’t go there just to participate; we want to perform with all humility and show the world what Ghana can do.”

Owusu’s statement reflects growing confidence within the Black Stars camp. Ghana has a proud World Cup history, including a quarter-final appearance in 2010 — the furthest any African team has reached alongside Senegal and Cameroon.

The Ghana Football Association (https://www.ghanafa.org) has been working to strengthen preparations through international friendlies and squad depth development ahead of the tournament.

Pre-World Cup Friendlies to Test Ghana’s Readiness

To prepare adequately for the tournament, Ghana have scheduled high-profile friendly matches against Germany, Austria and Mexico.

The Black Stars will face Germany and Austria in March before concluding their preparations with a game against Mexico in May. These matches are expected to provide valuable tactical and psychological tests.

Elisha Owusu believes facing top European opposition will sharpen the squad’s competitive edge.

“It’s really good to face top teams. It shows us where we are and gives us a chance to compete at a high level. I really like that challenge.”

Such fixtures will allow the coaching staff to assess combinations, test formations and evaluate player readiness under pressure.

Elisha Owusu’s Role in Ghana’s World Cup Campaign

The 26-year-old midfielder has been an important figure for both club and country this season. Owusu has made 18 Ligue 1 appearances for Auxerre and has earned 16 caps for the Black Stars.

His ability to dictate tempo in midfield, break up opposition play and transition quickly into attack makes him a valuable asset for Ghana heading into the World Cup.

Barring injury, he is widely expected to make the final squad for the tournament. His experience in European football could prove crucial when facing technically disciplined teams such as England and Croatia.

Ghana’s Ambition Beyond Group Stage

While qualification to the World Cup is an achievement in itself, Elisha Owusu and his teammates are aiming higher. The expanded 48-team format presents new opportunities for African sides to advance deep into the competition.

For Ghana, consistency, tactical discipline and mental resilience will be vital. With a balanced blend of experienced players and emerging talents, the Black Stars hope to make a meaningful impact.

As the countdown to June continues, Elisha Owusu’s confidence reflects a squad determined to restore Ghana’s reputation on the global stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises fierce competition, but Ghana enter the tournament with belief, preparation and ambition firmly in place.