plan
Ghana is a crew wealthy in attacking expertise, scoring 23 targets in 10 World Cup qualifying video games, averaging simply over two targets per recreation, with seven of these targets coming from set items. That credit score goes to Gregory de Grauwe, a 42-year-old Belgian who joined the teaching workers in January. His addition has enormously improved the facility of set items. Initially employed as a video analyst, he was later appointed as Ghana’s set-piece coach forward of their qualifier towards Chad in March 2025, and the outcomes had been quick.
The primary noticeable change was within the directions given to the receiver. When taking a nook kick, the aim was to keep away from the central space and intention for the again submit, the place Alexander Zyku and Mohamed Salisu had been positioned. In the meantime, Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey will likely be used as decoys to make near-post and central runs. This creates time and house for the 2 middle backs to assault crosses with peak and pace. When Ghana scored from the central space, a slight variation noticed three gamers rush to the close to submit, with one or two gamers unmarked and shut sufficient to attain.
The Black Stars’ set-piece protection has additionally improved visibly. Zik, Saris, and Parti mark opponents who pose an aerial menace. Past these three, Ghana’s focus is on defending the goalkeeper and ensuring he has sufficient house to come back ahead and intention at crosses.
Ghana, who drew with England, Croatia and Panama in Group L, have sufficient expertise to make an affect in North America. What’s your finest World Cup efficiency to this point? The 2010 quarter-finals.
coach
Carlos Queiroz He has coached with Actual Madrid and Manchester United, and performed in 4 World Cups: Portugal in 2010, Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Nonetheless, the Portuguese says his newest job has been probably the most tough but. “After eight nationwide groups and several other necessary competitions, that is the most important problem of my whole profession and I’m prepared for it,” Queiroz mentioned. “Once they work for Ghana, they do not count on something however win, win, win. That is why that is the most important problem.”
star participant
Now, in a parallel world, Antoine Semenyo He’ll most likely be a starter for England on the World Cup. However the London-born ahead will pull on Ghana’s gold shirt in Foxboro on June 23 when the Black Stars tackle the Three Lions. In actuality, Semenyo’s worldwide profession didn’t go as deliberate and on the time of writing he had a disappointing file of simply two targets in 34 appearances. However with 17 targets and 4 assists for Bournemouth and Manchester Metropolis this season, he’s one in all Europe’s most formidable and in-form forwards and ought to be Ghana’s primary menace.
One value noting
Caleb Irenki He has been in comparison with Michael Essien, and it is easy to see why, given his versatile tackling, passing and skill to ship the ball into the opposition half. He has the athletic and technical capability to be efficient on each ends of the pitch. There will likely be no scarcity of suitors for the 20-year-old Nordsjelland midfielder, though a transfer to Brighton was linked in January however fell by way of. His membership and nationwide teammate Prince Amoako Jr. instructed Pleasure Sports activities in January: “He is such a humble man that he would not know what we consider him. However Caleb is insane. He is loopy good. He is a celebrity. I inform him that each time.”
The unsung hero
Since then Alexander Zyk Regardless of making his debut for Ghana, the Black Stars missed out on the group levels of the 2021 and 2023 African Cups of Nations and the 2022 World Cup. Nonetheless, he’s undoubtedly the one participant to complete every match together with his status intact. The reason being that Zik leaves all the pieces on the pitch each time he places on the nationwide crew uniform. The Spartak Moscow defender is all the time the favourite to win any duel. Though not fairly on the identical degree, his reliability is much like greats like John Mensah and Sammy Kuffour.
Most likely beginning lineup
4-2-3-1 Benjamin Asare – Alidou Seidu, Alexander Zik, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Baba Abdul Rahman – Thomas Partey, Caleb Irenki – Inaki Williams, Augustine Boakye, Antoine Semenyo – Jordan Ayew.
What do you hope for the followers on the recreation?
The Ghana Supporters Union stands out as the most colourful fan group you may see this summer season. Our highly effective reside band creates an emotional environment wherever you go. Though FIFA won’t permit the usage of musical devices on its premises, the Supporters Union will nonetheless deliver the power and uniquely Ghanaian morale-boosting Jama (extremely energetic, rhythmic, chant-like music), as has been proven in related conditions up to now. The Ghanaian authorities is funding hundreds of supporters’ journey to the match, elevating greater than $3 million.
This text is a part of a collaboration between JoySports and The Guardian. The collaboration will give readers entry to crew information, previews and extra for all 48 groups which have certified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
