World Cup 2026: Jereome Boateng predicts bright future for Ghana youngsters

Former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng believes Ghana’s current World Cup campaign could serve as an important stepping stone for the country’s next generation of players.

Ghana opened their tournament with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi.

The result handed the Black Stars a valuable three points after a match in which chances were scarce and both teams struggled to establish attacking rhythm.

The win was particularly significant given the number of key players unavailable to coach Carlos Queiroz.

Ghana entered the tournament without several established stars, forcing a youthful squad to shoulder responsibility on football’s biggest stage.

Among the missing players are influential midfielder Mohammed Kudus and centre-back Mohammed Salisu.

Injuries have also sidelined Alexander Djiku and Daniel Kofi Kyereh, reducing Ghana’s experience at both ends of the pitch.

Despite those challenges, Boateng believes the tournament offers an ideal platform for the country’s emerging talents to accelerate their development.

“For the youngsters, in any case, this is still a great showcase to get minutes and gain experience, also looking ahead to the next World Cup, where they will surely show up with a more mature and competitive squad,” he told Flashscore.

The Black Stars will now look to build on their winning start when they face England on Tuesday in their next Group L fixture.