2026 World Cup: ‘We can do special things’ – Antoine Semenyo sets ambitious target for Ghana

Antoine Semenyo believes Ghana have the talent, mentality and attacking quality to achieve something special at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars prepare for another shot at football’s biggest prize.

The Manchester City forward says the squad is determined to show it can compete with the world’s leading nations and write its own chapter in Ghana’s proud World Cup history when the tournament kicks off in North America.

Speaking in an interview with FIFA, Semenyo stressed that Ghana’s ambitions extend far beyond simply making up the numbers at the competition.

“We’re not just coming to the World Cup, we want to compete on all levels,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of attacking talent and killer instincts.”

The 26-year-old believes the current generation has the ability to leave a lasting mark on the global stage despite the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“We were so frustrated that we didn’t qualify,” Semenyo admitted.

However, the forward sees the setback as extra motivation for a squad eager to prove its credentials against elite opposition.

“I think that’s the intention. I feel like we do want to write our own story. We’ve got such a good team, and we just need to prove to the world that we can be up there and compete with everyone else.

“I feel like that’s the only question right now, so once we do that, that’ll be the story written. I don’t want to jinx anything but I think, for me personally, getting through the group stage would be a start for us. I feel like we can go on and do special things.”

Semenyo’s confidence is partly rooted in the memories he has of watching Ghana at previous World Cups. Growing up in England in a Ghanaian household, he recalls major tournaments bringing family members together as they followed the Black Stars’ journey.

“I feel like watching Ghana play in the World Cup was so special,” he said. “Mum, dad, uncles, aunties, cousins all turn up to one house, and we’ll watch all the games together, celebrating, screaming, all the emotions.”

Those experiences ultimately influenced his decision to represent Ghana internationally despite being born and raised in England. He made his debut for the Black Stars in 2022 and was included in the squad for the World Cup in Qatar later that year.

“At that time, I was still at Bristol City, so it was so special,” he said. “But I feel like now, I just want to prove, and we all want to prove, that we’re a top nation.”