Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo expressed a determined mindset ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that the Black Stars view their Group L draw against England and Croatia in Panama as a prime opportunity to showcase their capabilities on the global stage. Semenyo, speaking to FIFA, emphasized the team’s drive to prove they belong among the world’s elite footballing nations.
Group Draw and Motivation
The 2026 World Cup draw placed Ghana in a challenging Group L, facing formidable opponents England and Croatia. Semenyo, however, downplayed any unique emotional response to facing England, a team with many players he knows personally. Instead, he highlighted the competitive drive to win and demonstrate Ghana’s potential against highly-ranked opposition.
“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.
He added that the prospect of playing against friends intensifies his personal motivation to perform. “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.”
Redemption After AFCON Qualification Miss
The upcoming World Cup represents a chance for redemption for the Black Stars, particularly after their unexpected failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Semenyo acknowledged the deep frustration within the squad following that disappointment.
“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,” he stated.
The Manchester City forward stressed that the team’s ambition extends beyond mere participation. They aim to compete fiercely in every match and make a significant impact in the tournament.
“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.”
Team Readiness and Ambition
Semenyo conveyed a strong sense of readiness and collective ambition within the Ghanaian squad. The players are united in their belief that they possess the quality to challenge established footballing powers.
“For us, we can compete with these teams. It’s just [about] winning games, having fun and showing the nation what we can do,” he remarked.
This will be Semenyo’s second World Cup appearance, having been part of the Ghana squad at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. His experience from that campaign is expected to be valuable as the Black Stars prepare for the challenges of the 2026 edition.
Looking Ahead
The draw sets up a compelling narrative for Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. Their performance against England and Croatia will be closely watched as a barometer of their progress and potential to upset established hierarchies. The team’s focus on proving their status as a ‘top nation’ suggests a shift from simply competing to actively seeking victories against elite opposition. The success of this ambition will hinge on their ability to translate determination into on-field results, especially in a group that demands peak performance from the outset.
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