Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has expressed confidence that Ghana will demonstrate their competitive ability against the world’s best national teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite facing a challenging group that includes European heavyweights England and Croatia.
Speaking to CBS Sports on Monday, February 2, 2026, the 26 year old Ghana international emphasized that the Black Stars aim to prove themselves on football’s biggest stage. Semenyo stated that Ghana wants to show people around the world that they are one of the top nations and can compete with the best, while acknowledging the scale of the challenge awaiting them in Group L.
Ghana has been drawn into Group L alongside England, 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia and Panama for the expanded 48 team tournament to be co hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, in Toronto, before facing England in a high stakes encounter on June 23 in Boston. The group stage concludes with a match against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Semenyo, who joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in January 2026 for 62.5 million pounds in a transfer that could rise to 64 million pounds with performance related bonuses, acknowledged the quality of opposition Ghana faces. He noted there has been some lighthearted banter with English players, but recognized it will be a challenge given England’s star studded squad depth. Despite this, he emphasized that Ghanaians believe in themselves.
The Ghana international has enjoyed the form of his life since joining Manchester City, scoring six goals in 12 appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side. His performances have helped City remain competitive in the Premier League title race, FA Cup and Champions League. At Bournemouth earlier in the 2025/26 season, Semenyo recorded 10 goals and three assists in 22 Premier League matches, establishing himself as one of the division’s most dangerous attacking players.
Beyond the competitive aspect, Semenyo highlighted Ghana’s intention to showcase their culture at the tournament. He predicted that Ghanaian supporters will arrive in large numbers, bringing their distinctive celebrations, music and unwavering support to North American venues. The forward described how Ghana wants to demonstrate what makes them different from other nations, whether through dancing, singing or simply supporting the team endlessly.
Semenyo emphasized that Ghana runs through so many people’s veins back home, noting the nation’s deep passion for football. He expressed excitement about competing in North America and optimism that Ghana can perform well with divine favor. The forward even suggested that if he scores against England, he will probably celebrate by dancing with the whole team.
This will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup following previous participations in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022. The Black Stars achieved their best result at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Uruguay on penalty kicks after Luis Suarez’s infamous handball on the goal line in the final minute of extra time.
However, Ghana’s recent World Cup record has been disappointing. The team exited at the group stage in both Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, failing to advance beyond the opening round in their last two appearances. At Qatar 2022, Ghana finished bottom of their group with just three points, losing to Portugal and Uruguay while defeating South Korea.
The 2026 World Cup represents a fresh opportunity for Ghana to make a significant impact on the global stage. The tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams has given Africa nine automatic qualification spots, up from five previously. This expansion allowed more African nations to participate and provides Ghana with another chance to demonstrate continental football strength.
Group L presents formidable challenges for Ghana. England, semifinalists at Euro 2020 and quarterfinalists at the 2022 World Cup, possess one of the most talented squads in world football. Croatia, who reached the 2018 World Cup final and finished third in 2022, remain competitive despite an aging core. Panama, representing the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), qualified for their second World Cup and will seek to capitalize on regional tournament advantages.
Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the African qualifiers, navigating a competitive path to secure one of the continent’s nine automatic spots. The Black Stars, coached by Otto Addo since his reappointment in March 2024, have shown improvement in recent international fixtures. However, consistency remains a concern given the team’s struggles to translate talent into results at major tournaments.
Semenyo’s development trajectory has been remarkable. Born in London to Ghanaian parents, he began his professional career at Bristol City before loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland. Bournemouth signed him in January 2023 for approximately 10 million pounds, where he flourished into one of the Premier League’s most sought after attacking players before Manchester City activated his release clause.
At City, Semenyo wears the number 42 shirt previously worn by Yaya Touré and has integrated seamlessly into Guardiola’s tactical system. The Spanish manager praised his versatility, noting that Semenyo can operate on both wings and as a striker, bringing pace, power and the ability to use both feet effectively.
For Ghana, Semenyo represents the new generation of talent carrying national team hopes. With 32 senior caps, he has become an established international player and will be expected to lead the Black Stars’ attacking line at the World Cup. His current club form suggests he will arrive at the tournament in peak condition, potentially transforming Ghana’s offensive capabilities.
The World Cup also carries special significance given the anticipated diaspora support. North America is home to substantial Ghanaian communities, particularly in cities like Toronto, Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Semenyo’s prediction about fans arriving in big bunches reflects expectations that Ghana will enjoy strong vocal support at venues across the three host nations.
Ghana’s match against England on June 23 in Boston will attract particular attention given the historical connections between the two nations and the presence of several England based Ghanaian players. Beyond Semenyo at Manchester City, Ghana’s squad typically features players from Premier League and English Football League clubs, creating natural rivalry and familiarity.
The Panama match on June 17 represents Ghana’s best opportunity to secure three points and build momentum. Panama, while competitive within CONCACAF, lacks the pedigree and depth of European opponents. A victory in Toronto would put Ghana in strong position heading into the England clash.
The final group stage match against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia could determine advancement to the knockout stages. Croatia’s tournament experience and technical quality make them dangerous opponents, but their squad may be vulnerable if key veterans show age related decline. Ghana must capitalize on any such weaknesses to secure qualification.
Advancement to the round of 16 would represent a successful tournament for Ghana given the group’s difficulty. Reaching the quarterfinals or beyond would constitute a historic achievement comparable to the 2010 run. Semenyo’s confidence suggests Ghana believes such outcomes are possible despite facing elite opposition.
The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ghana’s group stage matches span from June 17 to June 27, providing relatively balanced scheduling compared to some other groups. The knockout rounds begin on June 29 for teams finishing in the top two positions of their respective groups.
As preparation intensifies over the coming months, Semenyo’s form at Manchester City will be closely monitored by Ghana supporters. His ability to maintain fitness and sharpness through the remainder of the club season could prove decisive for the Black Stars’ World Cup prospects. With the tournament just over four months away, excitement continues building among Ghanaian football fans worldwide.
