Ghana wants to surprise the world again

Ghana heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup convinced that it can become one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

After a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar 2022, the Black Stars arrive at this World Cup with a more experienced squad, greater international maturity, and the belief that they can once again challenge the world’s elite nations.

One player who perfectly embodies that ambition is Antoine Semenyo, who insists Ghana is not traveling to the United States, Mexico, and Canada simply to participate, but to prove it can compete with anyone.

The World Cup has always been part of his life

Although he was born in London, Semenyo says he never had any doubts about which national team he wanted to represent.

The forward, now one of the most exciting attacking players in European football, explained in an interview with FIFA that his connection to Ghana came directly from his family and childhood experiences.

“My mum and dad are Ghana through and through. They never really talked about England. Watching Ghana at the World Cup was always special. The whole family would gather together, celebrate, scream, and experience every emotion,” Semenyo recalled.

Those memories helped shape his decision to represent the country of his roots and fulfill his dream of wearing the Black Stars shirt.

From prospect to international star

Semenyo’s career has taken a remarkable leap over the past few years.

After developing through the ranks at Bristol City, he established himself as a Premier League player before earning a move to Manchester City, where he helped the club win the FA Cup, scoring a spectacular winner in the final against Chelsea.

Now 26 years old, he is preparing for his second World Cup after being part of Ghana’s squad in Qatar 2022. The difference this time is that he arrives as one of the team’s primary attacking leaders under Carlos Queiroz.

A generation determined to write its own story

For Semenyo, Ghana possesses everything needed to compete with the best teams in the world.

“We want to prove that we are a top football nation. We’re not coming to the World Cup just to participate — we want to compete at every level,” the striker said.

He also highlighted the enormous attacking talent currently available to Ghana and the confidence within the squad that something special can be achieved this summer.

Everything you need to know about Ghana Squad at the World Cup

Chasing the legacy of 2010

Ghana’s greatest World Cup run came at South Africa 2010, when the Black Stars came within a penalty kick of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal.

Now, with a talented generation featuring players such as Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, Thomas Partey, and Ernest Nuamah, Ghana dreams of making history once again.

“We want to write our own story. We have a great team, and now we need to show the world that we can compete with everyone,” Semenyo concluded, sending a clear message that Ghana has far bigger ambitions than simply taking part in the 2026 World Cup.

Follow all the action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube