2026 World Cup: I want to prove a point playing against my English friends – Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo has set his sights on making a statement when Ghana face England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he is eager to prove himself against friends from the country where he was born and raised.

The Manchester City forward will have a unique perspective when the two nations meet in Group L, having grown up in England before choosing to represent Ghana at international level.

Despite being eligible to play for the Three Lions, Semenyo said there was never any real doubt about where his international allegiance belonged.

“My mum and dad are Ghana through and through. They never really mentioned anything about England,” he said. “Obviously, living in England, you get the conversation of: ‘Oh, you should represent England’. But it was never a conversation I ever had, really.”

Now one of Ghana’s key attacking players, Semenyo is preparing for what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage.

Asked about the prospect of facing England, the 26-year-old played down the emotional aspect but made clear his competitive motivation.

“It will just feel normal,” he said. “I just want to win and prove that we can compete with the top nations. Playing against my friends, I want to prove my point.”

Semenyo’s journey to football’s biggest stage has been anything but straightforward. As a teenager, he endured unsuccessful trials with several English clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Fulham, Millwall and Crystal Palace.

The repeated setbacks left him considering a future away from football before encouragement from former Leeds United coach Dave Hockaday helped revive his ambitions. A move to Bristol City followed in 2017, paving the way for his rise through the English game.

His career has since accelerated rapidly. After impressing at Bournemouth, Semenyo earned a high-profile move to Manchester City and capped a memorable season by scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Now, with another World Cup approaching, the Ghana international is focused on helping the Black Stars show they can compete with the sport’s leading nations.