Former Black Stars forward Abdul Majeed Waris believes Ghana has what it takes to progress from Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if the team prepares adequately and remains mentally focused throughout the tournament.
The Black Stars have begun preparations in Cardiff ahead of the June 2, international friendly against Wales, with head coach Carlos Queiroz overseeing training sessions at Dragon Park.
Thirteen players took part in Monday’s training session, including Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jordan Ayew, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Jerome Opoku, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang, Solomon Agbasi, and Alidu Seidu, while the remaining players are expected to join camp on Tuesday.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports, Waris stressed the importance of preparation and concentration ahead of the Mundial.
“I wouldn’t say that because I think we have a good team to win each of those games,” he said.
“What it comes down to is the preparation and then focusing mentally because at that stage you cannot switch off even for a minute because that can turn everything around.”
The Black Stars are expected to spend a week training in Cardiff before taking on Wales on June 2, after which the team will travel to the United States for the next phase of preparations.
Queiroz is expected to use the training period and friendly matches to evaluate his squad before naming Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Per FIFA regulations, all participating countries must submit their final squads by Monday, June 1.
