Former Ghana international William Kwabena Tierro has cautioned the Black Stars against complacency, describing their 2026 FIFA World Cup group as a very demanding one.
Following the draw held in Washington on December 5, Ghana were placed in Group L alongside England, 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, and Panama.
The 2026 tournament, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, with Ghana securing one of Africa’s nine automatic qualification spots.
The upcoming competition will mark Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously featured in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022, with their best run coming in South Africa 2010, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Speaking in an interview with Kessben FM, Tierro stressed that underestimating any opponent could prove costly.
“It won’t be easy for Ghana at the World Cup,” he said. “It will be a disaster if we underrate any team in our group. There are no minnows in football anymore because the game has evolved.”
He was particularly cautious about Panama, warning that their qualification from a competitive region speaks volumes about their quality.
“You underrate Panama at your own risk. Their style is similar to teams from South and North America, and the fact that they qualified from that region shows they are capable,” Tierro added.
The former Black Stars midfielder concluded by urging Ghana to approach the tournament with thorough preparation.
“Our group is not easy at all. Ghana must prepare very well for the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, as part of preparations for the tournament, Ghana are scheduled to face Germany in a high-profile international friendly on March 30, 2026, as the Black Stars continue to fine-tune their readiness for the global showpiece.
