Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Ghana have the quality to cause problems for England and Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the Black Stars being drawn in one of the tournament’s most challenging groups.
The former international, who is supporting Croatia at the competition, said Ghana possess significant talent and could take valuable points from the European heavyweights when the tournament gets under way in North America.
The World Cup officially began on 11 June, with Ghana preparing for their opening Group L fixture against Panama. The Black Stars are making their fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament after securing qualification for the expanded competition, which is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ghana have been placed alongside England, Croatia and Panama in Group L. Their campaign will begin against Panama before they face England and then Croatia in their remaining group-stage matches.
Speaking about the group, Ibrahimovic suggested Ghana could emerge as a difficult opponent for the favourites.
“I’m supporting Croatia in this tournament. We have Ghana, a side blessed with immense talent, so it will be interesting to see what they can bring to the competition. We also have Panama, but unfortunately this is a very tough group for them. I believe England and Croatia will battle for top spot, But Ghana might disturb England and Croatia and take some points.I don’t mean any disrespect to Panama, but this group will be a challenging one for them to pick up points in,” he said.
While expectations are high for England and Croatia, Ibrahimovic’s assessment underlines the belief that Ghana could influence the outcome of the group and potentially upset the established order.
The Black Stars have already entered the final stage of their preparations for the tournament. The squad arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, after completing a week-long training camp in the Washington area.
The team travelled from Virginia on Thursday afternoon and landed at T.F. Green International Airport at around 6:00 p.m., concluding what has been described as a productive period of preparation ahead of the competition.
Ghana will be based at Bryant University in Smithfield, where they will train using the institution’s facilities before travelling to Toronto on 15 June. The move comes two days before their opening match against Panama at BMO Field on 17 June.
The tournament presents another opportunity for Ghana to make an impact on the global stage. The Black Stars are aiming to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since their memorable run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Ghana’s World Cup history includes appearances in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022. Their most successful campaign came in South Africa in 2010 when they advanced to the quarter-finals, their deepest run at the tournament.
As preparations continue, Ghana will hope to prove Ibrahimovic’s prediction correct by challenging the leading contenders in Group L and pursuing a return to the latter stages of the World Cup.
