Semenyo: Ghana ready to compete with top nations at World Cup

Antoine Semenyo has said the Ghana national team is ready to compete with the best nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the largest and most expansive tournament in the event’s history, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Featuring 48 teams competing across 104 matches, this marks the first time three nations have jointly hosted the event.

The expanded 48-team field is divided into 12 groups, with teams now playing 8 games total to win the trophy, and it will kick off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico.

Ghana have been pooled alongside England, Panama, and Croatia. Semenyo had analysed the group, insisting, Black Stars’ aim is to prove a point.

Ghana can beat all top teams

“It will just feel normal. I don’t think I’ll feel anything. I think if anything, I’ll just want to win, and just prove that we can compete with the top nations,” Semenyo told FIFA.com.

“I don’t think it changes anything for me, but I know playing against my friends, I want to prove my point. I want to show that we are a top nation, we can play together, and we can beat all the top teams.”

On how Ghana are determined to bounce back after failing to qualify for 2025 AFCON in Morocco, the Manchester City forward responded: “We were so frustrated that we didn’t qualify. It was very, very tough.

“But I feel like we’ve rectified that in terms of qualifying for the World Cup. But we’re not just coming to the World Cup, we want to compete on all levels. I feel like everyone in the team is ready to go.

“For us, we can compete with these teams. It’s just [about] winning games, having fun and showing the nation what we can do.”

Ghana to face Panama in opener

Semenyo added: “We’ve got the backing of our nation, for one. Obviously, loads of prayers and blessings over the team, but we’ve got a good management staff, we’ve got good background staff, and everyone is just so positive and confident, and that gives us the positivity to go out on the pitch and do what we need to do and win games.

“So, it plays a massive part and definitely goes a long way. I feel like we’ve got a lot of attacking talent and killer instincts. A lot of players that just want to get in positions and shoot and score. Defensively we’re solid as well. We work together as a team.”

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on July 18, before taking on England, and Croatia.