Omanghana
Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team is ready to exceed expectations and “surprise people” on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference in Cardiff, Wales, on Monday, the 34-year-old forward praised the positive influence of newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz and highlighted the squad’s growing belief ahead of the tournament.
Ayew revealed that the players have quickly adapted to Queiroz’s tactical approach since his arrival, crediting the experienced coach for bringing fresh ideas and a clear vision to the national team setup.
According to the Ghana captain, the squad has fully embraced the manager’s methods, particularly his defensive structures and organizational principles. With the World Cup fast approaching, Ayew said the players have been working hard to understand and implement the new system, creating a sense of unity and purpose within the team.
The Black Stars are currently preparing for an international friendly against Wales, which will serve as their final match before the start of the World Cup campaign. Ayew described the fixture as an important opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the squad and fine-tune preparations ahead of the tournament.
The friendly will also provide Queiroz with a chance to assess key players who have joined the camp later than others, including midfield star Thomas Partey and forward Inaki Williams. Their integration into the team will be crucial as Ghana looks to build momentum before the competition begins.
Despite external doubts about Ghana’s prospects, Ayew remains optimistic that the blend of experienced players, emerging talent, and the team’s commitment to the new coaching philosophy will allow the Black Stars to make a significant impact at the tournament.
He stressed that the players are highly motivated to represent both Ghana and the African continent with pride and determination, adding that the squad is focused on proving critics wrong when the competition gets underway.
Following the Wales friendly, the Black Stars will travel to the United States for the final phase of their preparations before opening their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.
With confidence growing within the camp and a new coaching era taking shape under Carlos Queiroz, Ghana will head into the tournament believing they have the quality and determination to emerge as one of the competition’s surprise packages.
Source: Omanghana
