The Ghanaian government has raised over $3 million to support fans traveling to North America for the World Cup. Antoine Semenyo will need help from his supporting cast, but there is plenty of excitement about a 20-year-old midfielder compared to Michael Essien.
The Plan
Ghana's performance in a warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff gave a glimpse of what new coach Carlos Queiroz might implement. The first half was unsurprising – a leaky low block with poorly coordinated pressing reminiscent of the dysfunctional team Otto Addo left behind. The second half was markedly different: a well-coordinated mid-block with synchronized pressing and better protection for the full-backs.
Structurally, Queiroz prefers a back four, unlike Addo's back three. In Cardiff, he started with a double pivot of Elisha Owusu and a noticeably off-the-pace Thomas Partey, whose second-half substitution for Caleb Yirenkyi seemed significant. The midfield pairing of Yirenkyi, who scored Ghana's goal, and Kwasi Sibo brought dynamism and intensity.
Out wide, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah have emerged as frontrunners for the right-wing spot. While Baah excelled on the left against Wales, Antoine Semenyo is expected to secure that position. This likely leaves Iñaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Abdul Fatawu waiting in the wings.
Ghana's main concern is a lack of goals up front. Jordan Ayew, who directly contributed to 14 goals during qualifying, scored only six times for Leicester last season. More worryingly, Ayew started just over half the games for a side relegated to League One. The hope is that Manchester City's Semenyo, who registered 17 goals and four assists in the Premier League, will inspire Ghana in attack.
Ghana – drawn with England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L – have enough talent to make an impact in North America. Their best World Cup showing remains the quarter-finals in 2010.
The Coach
Carlos Queiroz has coaching experience at Real Madrid and Manchester United and has worked at four World Cups: 2010 with Portugal, and 2014, 2018, and 2022 with Iran. However, the Portuguese describes his latest job as the most difficult yet. “After eight national teams and a couple of important competitions, this is the biggest challenge of my entire career, and I am ready for that,” Queiroz said. “When you work for Ghana, they don’t expect anything different than win, win, win. That is why it is the biggest challenge.”
Star Player
In a parallel universe, Antoine Semenyo would be heading to the World Cup with England, probably as a starter. But the London-born forward will wear Ghana's gold shirt on June 23 when the Black Stars face the Three Lions. Semenyo's international career has not gone according to plan, with three goals in 34 appearances. However, his 17 goals and four assists for Bournemouth and Manchester City this season, plus the winner in the FA Cup final, make him one of the most formidable in-form forwards in Europe and Ghana's main threat.
One to Watch
Caleb Yirenkyi has been compared to Michael Essien, and it's easy to see why with his tackling range, passing, and ability to drive the ball forward. He combines athleticism with technical ability and is effective at both ends. In January, a reported move to Brighton fell through, but there will be no shortage of suitors for the 20-year-old Nordsjælland midfielder. His club and international teammate Prince Amoako told Joy Sports: “He doesn’t see himself the way we see him because he’s a very humble guy. But Caleb is insane, he’s crazily good. He’s a superstar, and I tell him so every time.”
Unsung Hero
After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – the first Afcon they missed in over 20 years – Ghana turned to Benjamin Asare, who became the first goalkeeper from the Ghana Premier League to start a competitive fixture for the national team since 2015. He was not particularly brilliant but saved the shots expected of him and restored confidence in an otherwise charitable backline. Concerns remain about his command over crosses, but his quick reflexes, agility, and impressive distribution are why a defence that conceded 13 goals in nine competitive games before his arrival suddenly went on a mean streak, conceding just once in six World Cup qualifiers.
Probable Starting XI
Ghana's likely lineup includes a back four, a double pivot, and Semenyo leading the attack, with Yirenkyi and Sibo in midfield.
What to Expect from Fans at Games
The Ghana Supporters Union may be the most colourful set of fans this summer. With their powerful live band, they produce an electrifying atmosphere. FIFA will not allow musical instruments in the grounds, but as they have shown in similar circumstances, the Supporters Union will still bring the energy and Ghana's unique, morale-lifting “jama” (highly energetic, rhythmic chant-like music). The government is funding thousands of supporters to travel, raising over $3 million.
Relationship with the US/Trump
Wary. Ghana has faced tariffs on goods, rows over visas, and recently walked away from a major US health and aid deal, citing demands for access to citizens' private health data. However, the government, which last year agreed to accept people deported from the US by Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, treads carefully. As for Carlos Queiroz – his long history with Iran may add sensitivity, but don't expect big statements. In 2022 as Iran coach, he refused to engage with political heat around their game against the USA, saying: “Our mission is here to create entertainment, to make people happy. To bring smiles to all people for 90 minutes.”
Written by Victor Atsu Tamakloe for Myjoyonline.com.
