2026 WC: Michael Essien confident Black Stars can make knockout stages

Former Ghana international Michael Essien has expressed confidence that the Black Stars possess the quality to progress to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time African champions are set to compete at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

Ghana, who exited at the group stage in both the 2014 and 2022 editions in Brazil and Qatar respectively, are aiming for a stronger showing this time around. Essien believes the current squad is capable of turning things around.

“I think the team has the quality to make it out of the group phase. They were disappointing in the last World Cup in Qatar, and as a Ghanaian, the nation is also expecting the boys to do well,” the former Chelsea midfielder told talkSPORT.

He added that the highly anticipated clash with England will be a key fixture for fans, stressing the importance of taking each game as it comes.

Essien further noted that reaching the second round should be considered the minimum target for the team, while urging belief in their ability to go further.

“Ghana playing against England is a game everyone is looking forward to, so let’s see what they can do, but they will have to take it game by game and make sure they win.”

The Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. Their final group match comes against Croatia on June 27.

Meanwhile, the team has already arrived in the United States to continue preparations, with a final warm-up match scheduled against Jamaica on June 10.