The Black Stars are gearing up for their fifth World Cup appearance this summer, with assistant coach John Paintsil insisting the squad’s historical pedigree will fuel a deep run in North America.
After the heartbreak of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the first time the four-time continental champions failed to qualify in over two decades, optimism returned to Ghana.
The successful qualification for the 2026 Mundial has galvanised a nation desperate to see the Black Stars shine on the world stage once again.
John Paintsil, the former Fulham and West Ham United defender, believes the weight of expectation is a testament to Ghana’s standing in world football.
Speaking to 3Sports, the 2006 World Cup veteran suggested that past setbacks in Brazil and Qatar have only added to the team’s maturity.
“When it comes to the World Cup, Ghana is now experienced,” Paintsil said. “We have been to the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010.”
“Coming into this World Cup, the expectation is very high. I can’t wait to see how things will go on our side.”
For Paintsil, the road to success in June depends heavily on the medical room. With the domestic season reaching its climax, the assistant coach issued a clear message to his European and home-based stars.
“Like I keep saying, I want all our players to be fit, so they’ll be ready for the call-up,” he emphasised.
Ghana finds itself in a challenging Group L, with matches scheduled across major North American host cities.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17, before a highly anticipated clash against England in Boston on June 23.
They will then conclude the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Preparation begins in earnest next month. The Black Stars will reconvene in March for a rigorous friendly schedule designed to test the squad against elite opposition.
The team is set to face Austria and Germany in back-to-back fixtures, before a final warm-up match against Mexico provides the closing notes of their pre-tournament rehearsal.
Source: Ekow Segu
