2026 World Cup: Black Stars must prepare mentally, physically and spiritually - Abdul Majeed Waris

Former Black Stars striker Abdul Majeed Waris beleives the current squad will need intensive preparation to perform at the 2026 World Cup. 

Ghana will face Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L at next year's tournament, which the USA, Canada, and Mexico will co-host.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former FC Porto and Nantes forward urged the playing body to pursue collective glory before individual pursuits if the Black Stars are to shine in North America next June.

"Football has changed a lot. At first, it was about individual skills, but now it's more about the team's skills," Waris said.

"Football is all about preparation, getting ready for what is ahead of you, and you can win any game. So I think we have to prepare mentally, physically and spiritually because this is the biggest competition in the world and everybody is going to be watching them.

"They must know that they are not going just to play a football match, they are going to represent the whole of Ghana and everybody will be cheering them on," Waris, who played at the 2014 World Cup, added.

Ghana will kick off their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before travelling to Boston for the clash with England on June 23. The final group match against Croatia is set for June 27 in Philadelphia.

This tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, following campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their most notable run came in 2010 in South Africa, where the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals.

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