Former Black Stars striker Abdul Majeed Waris has stressed the need for thorough preparation if Ghana are to make a strong impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars have been drawn into Group L, where they will come up against Panama, England, and Croatia at the tournament to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former FC Porto and Nantes forward urged the current squad to prioritise collective success over individual ambition ahead of the global showpiece.
“Football has changed a lot. At first, it was about individual skills, but now it’s more about the team’s skills,” Waris said.
“Football is all about preparation, getting ready for what is ahead of you, and you can win any game. So I think we have to prepare mentally, physically and spiritually because this is the biggest competition in the world and everybody is going to be watching them.
“They must know that they are not going just to play a football match, they are going to represent the whole of Ghana and everybody will be cheering them on,” Waris, who featured at the 2014 World Cup, added.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, face England in Boston on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia, as they target a memorable fifth World Cup appearance.
