This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration involving premier media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. Previews are being shared from three countries daily as the tournament approaches, which kicks off on June 11.
Strategic Outlook
Ghana’s recent friendly against Wales in Cardiff offered insights into the strategies of new head coach Carlos Queiroz. The initial half mirrored the struggles of the previous regime under Otto Addo, showcasing a disorganized low block and ineffective pressing. However, the second half revealed a more structured approach with a cohesive mid-block, synchronized pressing, and enhanced support for the full-backs.
Queiroz favors a back four formation, departing from Addo’s back three. In the match against Wales, he deployed a double pivot of Elisha Owusu and a noticeably off-form Thomas Partey, who was replaced in the second half by Caleb Yirenkyi. The midfield duo of Yirenkyi, who netted Ghana’s sole goal, and Kwasi Sibo injected vigor and intensity into the game. On June 12, FIFA announced that Partey would miss the opening match against Panama due to visa issues.
On the flanks, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah have emerged as leading candidates for the right wing. Baah impressed on the left during the game against Wales, while Antoine Semenyo is expected to secure that position. This scenario leaves Iñaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Abdul Fatawu vying for spots in the lineup.
A significant concern for Ghana is their goal-scoring ability. Jordan Ayew, who contributed to 14 goals during the qualifiers, only managed six goals for Leicester last season. More troubling is the fact that he started just over half of the matches for a club that faced relegation to League One. There is optimism that Semenyo, who scored 17 goals and provided four assists in the Premier League, will bolster Ghana’s attacking options.
Ghana has been drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, boasting enough talent to make a significant impact in North America. Their best World Cup performance to date was reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.
Coaching Profile
Carlos Queiroz brings extensive coaching experience, having worked with clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United, and has participated in four World Cups: 2010 with Portugal, and 2014, 2018, and 2022 with Iran. He regards his current role as his toughest challenge yet, stating, “After eight national teams and a couple of important competitions, this is the biggest challenge of my entire career, and I am ready for that,”
In an alternate scenario, Antoine Semenyo could be representing England at the World Cup, likely as a starter. Instead, he will don Ghana’s colors against the Three Lions on June 23 in Foxborough. Although Semenyo’s international stats show only three goals in 34 appearances, his impressive tally of 17 goals and four assists for Bournemouth and Manchester City, including the decisive goal in the FA Cup final, positions him as Ghana’s primary offensive threat.
Key Player to Watch
Caleb Yirenkyi has drawn comparisons to Michael Essien due to his versatile tackling, passing, and ability to advance the ball into the opponent’s half. His combination of athleticism and technical skill makes him effective on both ends of the pitch. Although a potential transfer to Brighton fell through in January, many clubs are likely to show interest in the 20-year-old midfielder from Nordsjælland. His teammate Prince Amoako remarked in January, “When you work for Ghana, they don’t expect anything different than win, win, win. That is why it is the biggest challenge.”
Unsung Hero
After missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana turned to Benjamin Asare, marking the first time since 2015 that a goalkeeper from the Ghana Premier League started a competitive match for the national team. While his performance was not extraordinary, he fulfilled his duties effectively and helped restore confidence in a defensive unit that had struggled. Concerns linger regarding his ability to command the area during crosses, but his reflexes, agility, and excellent distribution have been pivotal in transforming a defense that conceded 13 goals in nine games to one that allowed only one goal in six World Cup qualifiers.
Expected Starting Lineup
Fan Atmosphere at Matches
The Ghana Supporters Union is set to be one of the most vibrant fan groups at the tournament. Known for their energetic live band, they create an electrifying ambiance wherever they go. While FIFA prohibits musical instruments at the venues, the Supporters Union has a history of bringing enthusiasm and Ghana’s distinctive, uplifting “He doesn’t see himself the way we see him because he’s a very humble guy. But Caleb is insane, he’s crazily good. He’s a superstar, and I tell him so every time.” music, a rhythmic chant. The Ghanaian government has raised over $3 million to fund travel for thousands of supporters to the tournament.
US-Ghana Relations
Ghana’s relationship with the US is cautious. The nation has experienced tariffs on goods, disputes over visas, and recently declined a significant US health and aid agreement due to demands for access to citizens’ private health data. The government, which agreed last year to accept individuals deported from the US as part of Trump’s immigration policies, must navigate these complexities carefully. As for Carlos Queiroz, his extensive experience with Iran may contribute to the sensitivity of the situation, but he is unlikely to make bold statements. In 2022, while coaching Iran, he refrained from engaging with the political tension surrounding their match against the USA, stating, “Our mission is here to create entertainment, to make people happy. To bring smiles to all people for 90 minutes.”
