Ghana legend Michael Essien believes the national team have what it takes to overcome a daunting challenge at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but only if they remain focused and disciplined.
The Black Stars have been drawn in a demanding Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. A group many observers see as a serious test of their credentials.
Essien did not downplay the difficulty, but insisted such challenges are part of tournament football.
“That’s a tough group. But there are always tough games to play, and it’s up to you to win them,” he said.
His comments come at a time of significant change around the national team. The Ghana Football Association recently parted ways with head coach Otto Addo, triggering an intense search for a successor, with hundreds of applications reportedly received.
Experienced names such as Paulo Bento, Carlos Queiroz and Fernando Santos have already been linked with the role as Ghana look to stabilise their technical direction ahead of the tournament.
Despite the uncertainty, Essien emphasised that the players must block out distractions and focus on the task at hand.
He urged the squad to adopt a game-by-game mentality, highlighting consistency as a decisive factor in progressing from the group.
“They should take every game as it comes and do their best. It’s a tournament; anything can happen,” he said.
Ghana’s recent performances have shown flashes of promise, but also underline the need for greater cohesion and resilience, particularly against top-tier opposition like England and Croatia.
The expanded 48-team format offers more opportunities, but also demands a higher level of consistency across multiple matches.
Essien, who was part of Ghana’s golden generation, concluded with cautious optimism, stressing that momentum will be key.
“You just have to make sure you win your games and keep moving. Let’s see what they can do.”
As the Black Stars prepare for the global stage, the blend of a new technical direction and experienced voices like Essien could prove crucial in shaping their World Cup journey.
