World Cup 2026: Kevin-Prince Boateng backs Ghana to defy odds in tough group

Former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng has urged the Black Stars to embrace the honour of representing their country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting they have a genuine chance of progressing despite being drawn in a difficult group.

Ghana begin their campaign in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia, with many observers viewing the group as one of the most challenging at the tournament. However, Boateng believes success is possible if the Black Stars can come together as a united team.

Speaking to SBS Sports, the former AC Milan and Schalke midfielder reflected on the unique feeling of playing on football’s biggest stage.

“Playing in the World Cup is one of the most beautiful thing as a professional football player especially if you go there the weight of your country and you can represent your country. It feels you with a lot of pride and honor so for anybody who is at home and looking at these games imagine going to play for you country.”

Boateng compared the experience of representing a nation at the World Cup to serving one’s country.

“It is like the military you go and fight for your country you go and fight for you country to do good so it is an overwhelming experience.”

The 38-year-old, who represented Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, acknowledged that the Black Stars face a difficult task against experienced opponents but remains optimistic about their chances.

“Very difficult group but at the end of the day of they play as a team what it is very difficult to do because they dont spend enough time together and we know the culture aspect of african teams.”

Boateng stressed that unity will be the key factor in determining how far Ghana can go in the tournament.

“There is not a lot of teamwork but if they can manage to play as a team they have a big chance to go through.”

The former midfielder knows exactly what it takes to compete on the global stage. He was part of the Ghana side that reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, helping the Black Stars achieve the best-ever finish by an African team alongside Cameroon, Senegal and Morocco.

As Ghana prepare for crucial group-stage matches against Panama, England and Croatia, Boateng believes teamwork and collective spirit will be more important than individual talent.

“It is a difficult group but i wish them nothing but the best.”

With the World Cup now underway, the Black Stars will hope to justify Boateng’s faith and prove they have what it takes to advance from one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.