Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has admitted the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup showdown with England will be a stern test, citing the depth and quality within the Three Lions squad.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, 2018 finalists Croatia, and Panama for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England in a high-profile encounter on June 23 in Boston. Otto Addo’s side will then conclude their group fixtures against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Despite acknowledging the magnitude of the England test, Semenyo — who recently completed a move to Manchester City — expressed strong belief in Ghana’s ability to stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
“We want to show people around the world that Ghana is one of the top nations and we can compete with the best,” Semenyo told CBS Sports.
“There’s been a bit of small talk [with English players], but as Ghanaians, we know it’s going to be a bit of a challenge. They are a star-studded team. They have so many top-class players, but we believe in ourselves.”
The 2026 World Cup will introduce an expanded 48-team format, granting Africa a record nine automatic qualification slots, with Ghana among the beneficiaries.
The tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously featured in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022, with their best run coming in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals.
