Antoine Semenyo says Ghana’s Black Stars are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with ambition, belief, and a determination to compete against the very best rather than simply participate.
The Manchester City forward made the remarks in an interview with FIFA following Ghana’s draw into Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia for the tournament in North America.
For Semenyo, the group stage already presents a major test—and one that carries personal meaning. Born and raised in England, the 26-year-old is expected to face several familiar faces when Ghana meet the Three Lions, a fixture he admits adds extra motivation.
“I’ll just want to win and prove that we can compete with the top nations,” he said.
“I know playing against my friends, I want to prove my point. I want to show that we are a top nation.”
The Ghana international believes that matchup will be more than just another group game, but a chance to underline Ghana’s progress on the global stage.
However, Semenyo also acknowledged the emotional low point the squad endured recently, after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—a setback that deeply affected the team.
“We were so frustrated that we didn’t qualify. It was very, very tough,” he admitted.
Despite that disappointment, the forward insists Ghana have responded strongly by securing qualification for the World Cup and refocusing their ambitions toward making a meaningful impact in the tournament.
“We’re not just coming to the World Cup, we want to compete on all levels,” Semenyo stated.
He stressed that the Black Stars are not approaching the tournament with a survival mindset, but with the belief that they can progress deep into the competition if they execute their game plan.
Semenyo added that the current squad has enough quality, depth, and mentality to challenge established football nations, insisting Ghana have the potential to “do special things” if they advance beyond the group stage.
With anticipation building ahead of 2026, his message is clear: Ghana are not travelling to North America to make up the numbers—they are going to compete.
