Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has called on his team-mates to remain united as competition for places in the Black Stars squad increases ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Accra Hearts of Oak shot-stopper is currently part of Ghana’s 28-man squad preparing for the tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With players battling for starting positions before the competition begins, Asare said maintaining togetherness within the camp would be essential if Ghana are to succeed on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking before Ghana’s international friendly against Wales on 2 June, the goalkeeper stressed the importance of supporting one another regardless of selection decisions made by the coaching staff.
“If the coach starts another goalkeeper ahead of me, it doesn’t mean that because I’m the number one, I should be angry. We have to stay prayerful and united for collective success,” he said.
The comments come as Ghana intensify preparations for their fifth appearance at a FIFA World Cup, with expectations growing ahead of the tournament.
Competition within the squad is expected to be strong across several positions as players attempt to secure starting roles for the group-stage matches.
Asare, however, believes internal unity and collective focus will be more important than individual ambitions as the Black Stars seek to progress from a difficult group.
Ghana have been placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The Black Stars are set to open their campaign against Panama before taking on England and Croatia in their remaining group fixtures.
The goalkeeper also acknowledged the scrutiny facing the national side following recent criticism, but urged supporters to continue backing the team despite setbacks and mistakes on the pitch.
“Football, we have to accept that mistakes do happen, but that does not mean it is the end of it because there are a lot of matches ahead,” Asare added.
The remarks reflect an effort within the camp to maintain confidence and focus as Ghana prepare for one of the biggest tournaments in international football.
Preparations for the World Cup have included training sessions and international friendlies designed to help the squad build chemistry before travelling for the competition.
The upcoming match against Wales is expected to provide another opportunity for players to impress the coaching staff before the tournament begins.
Asare’s appeal for unity also highlights the importance of squad harmony during a World Cup campaign, where teams often rely on collective discipline and morale to navigate the demands of the competition.
For Ghana, the tournament represents another opportunity to compete on the global stage against some of the world’s leading football nations.
The Black Stars will hope their preparations and team spirit can help them make a strong impression when the World Cup gets underway in North America.
