Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil has promised that Ghana will give their maximum effort in the group stage of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 tournament marks Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage, with the team drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. After group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022, Paintsil emphasized the squad’s determination to make Ghanaians proud.
“It’s going to be an amazing group stage for us, playing against England and Croatia. We have to give everything, especially for Ghanaians and the badge,” Paintsil told Citi Sports. “We will do whatever we have to do, but leave the rest to God, and see what happens at the tournament.”
The LA Galaxy forward, who won the MLS Cup in 2024, had a challenging 2025 season due to injury, missing key matches as his club failed to make the playoffs and finished third in the Leagues Cup. He still managed 10 goals and two assists in 25 appearances.
Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston, and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
