Ghana

Ghana — the Black Stars — are drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. Ghana are one of Africa's most storied World Cup teams, with a quarterfinal appearance in 2010 that remains one of the greatest moments in African football.

England and Croatia are the group favorites. Panama are a beatable CONCACAF opponent. Ghana's path to advancement likely requires beating Panama and taking points from either England or Croatia.

Why this group matters: Ghana's 2022 World Cup campaign was disappointing — eliminated in the group stage with only one victory (over South Korea). In 2026, the Black Stars want to recapture the spirit of 2010 and prove that Ghanaian football remains a force.

Panama on Matchday 1 is the must-win fixture — and a chance to bank points early. England on Matchday 2 in Foxborough is the toughest test. Croatia on Matchday 3 in Philadelphia closes the group — Ghana beat them 2-0 in 2014.

Ghana have appeared in 4 FIFA World Cups:

• Best finish: Quarterfinals (2010)
• 2010 in South Africa: Ghana's greatest moment. They became only the third African team to reach the quarterfinals, where they were controversially denied a semifinal place by Luis Suarez's deliberate handball on the goal line against Uruguay. Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty, and Ghana lost the shootout. It remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in World Cup history.
• 2006: A strong debut — Ghana beat the Czech Republic and USA in the group stage before losing to Brazil in the Round of 16.
• 2014: Group-stage exit despite a famous 2-0 victory over South Korea (later reversed to 2-1).
• 2022: Group-stage exit after losses to Portugal and Uruguay. The Uruguay match carried echoes of 2010 — Ghana sought revenge but fell short again.

The 2010 quarterfinal is Ghana's defining World Cup moment — both a source of pride (coming so close) and pain (the Suarez handball).

• Kudus as the creative catalyst with freedom to roam behind the striker
• Partey controlling the midfield with passing and defensive discipline
• Semenyo and Williams providing width and direct threat
• Counter-attacking pace that can overwhelm slower defenders
• Physical intensity — Ghanaian teams never lack for energy

Ghana are at their best when they can play on the front foot, pressing high and using their athletic advantage. Against England and Croatia, a more cautious approach may be necessary.

Ghanaian football culture is joyful, musical, and deeply communal — a reflection of West African traditions.

• Azonto dancing: Ghanaian fans celebrate goals with the famous Azonto dance moves. It has become one of the most recognizable celebrations in African football.
• Black Stars devotion: Football is Ghana's most popular sport, and the national team commands intense loyalty. Accra's streets empty during World Cup matches.
• Drumming and chanting: Traditional Ghanaian drums and coordinated chanting create a vibrant, infectious atmosphere in the stands.
• Diaspora presence: Ghanaian communities in the UK, US (New York, New Jersey, Washington DC), and across Europe will provide vocal support. The NYC-area Ghanaian community is particularly strong and will be present at MetLife.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Mohammed Kudus is one of the most entertaining players in the Premier League — his dribbling and goals are viral-worthy every week. Ghana's playing style is direct, fast, and fun. The emotional weight of the 2010 Suarez handball — a moment that robbed Africa of its first World Cup semifinalist — adds stakes to every Ghana match.

Ghana need to beat Panama and take something from Croatia or England. The group is tough but the expanded format helps.

Prediction: Group stage exit, competitive. Ghana will be entertaining and competitive but likely finish third in the group behind England and Croatia. A third-place advancement is possible if results elsewhere cooperate. Beating Croatia (as they did in 2014) is the upset scenario.