By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Ghanaian international goalkeeper Edward Ansah has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to begin early preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a telephone chat with JerseyNumber12 on Saturday, Ansah stressed the importance of structured planning if Ghana is to stand a real chance of progressing from Group L, which features heavyweights England, Croatia, and rising CONCACAF side Panama.
“I cannot confidently say Ghana will qualify from the group because the Black Stars are not good starters in big tournaments lately,” Ansah admitted. “But with adequate preparations, things may change.”
The former Leventis United of Ibadan shot-stopper also reflected on Ghana’s recent struggles, blaming their failure to qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on poor player focus and execution.
“It is a huge loss to Ghana missing out on the AFCON,” he said. “The players raised the bar only after realizing they let the nation down during the qualifiers.”
Ansah, who also had a stint coaching India’s Churchill Brothers FC, believes the disappointment could serve as motivation ahead of the World Cup.
Ghana is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in either Dallas (AT&T Stadium) or Toronto (BMO Field). FIFA is expected to announce final venue assignments and kickoff times for all matches later this month.
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