Ghana’s last World Cup knockout appearance was in 2010, when they were heartbreakingly eliminated by Uruguay in one of the tournament’s most controversial moments. Fifteen years later, the Black Stars arrive in North America with a point to prove.
The reception from the Ghanaian diaspora was nothing short of extraordinary. Hundreds of flag-waving supporters gathered at the terminal, singing, dancing, and holding banners draped in red, gold and green. Players paused to sign autographs and take photographs before departing for the team hotel — a moment that captured just how much this tournament means beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.
Ghana’s Black Stars have arrived in the United States, and the nation’s World Cup dream is officially alive. The squad touched down in Washington D.C. late Wednesday night following their pre-tournament friendly against Wales in Cardiff — a match they drew 1–1 in what coach Carlos Queiroz described as an encouraging performance ahead of the tournament.
From Washington, the team travelled to Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, where they have set up their World Cup base camp. Formal training resumed Thursday morning as Queiroz and his staff begin the final tactical preparations before the real business begins.
Group L fixtures:
- June 17 — Ghana vs Panama | Toronto
- June 23 — Ghana vs England | Boston
- June 27 — Ghana vs Croatia | Philadelphia
The squad carries the weight of expectation but also significant injury setbacks. Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu have all been ruled out, forcing Queiroz to build around a younger, less experienced group. More than half of the 26-man roster will be appearing at a FIFA World Cup for the first time.
The experience comes from the familiar names: captain Jordan Ayew leads the line, Thomas Partey anchors midfield from his Villarreal base, and Iñaki Williams remains the emotional heartbeat of the attack. Antoine Semenyo, who joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in January, adds top-level quality on the wing.
Brandon Thomas-Asante of Coventry City inherits the iconic No. 10 shirt in Kudus’s absence — a statement of faith from the coaching staff in a player who will be hungry to prove himself on the biggest stage of his career.
