Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has admitted that the Black Stars’ clash against England at the 2026 World Cup will be a bit of a challenge, considering their squad depth.
The Black Stars are paired in Group L alongside European giants England, 2018 finalists, Croatia and Panama at the global showpiece, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ghana will open their World Cup account against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before taking on England in a high-stake clash on June 23 in Boston. The West African football giants will wrap up their group games against 2018 finalists, Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Despite admitting a difficult challenge against England, Semenyo, who recently switched to Manchester City has expressed belief in the Black Stars team.
“We want to show people around the world that Ghana is one of the top nations and we can compete with the best,” Semenyo told CBS Sports.
“There’s been a bit of small talk [with English players], but as Ghanaians, we know it’s going to be a bit of a challenge,” he admitted. “They are a star-studded team. They have so many top-class players, but we believe in ourselves.”
The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded 48-team format, giving Africa a record nine automatic slots, with Ghana no exception.
It will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.
