Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew believes Ghana have what it takes to exceed expectations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team is capable of surprising many people on football’s biggest stage.
The experienced forward shared his optimism ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales in Cardiff, a match that forms a key part of the Black Stars’ preparations for the tournament in North America.
Ayew, who is set to lead Ghana at his fourth World Cup, expressed confidence in the quality within the squad and the impact of new head coach Carlos Queiroz.
“We just want to go there and put on a show and represent Africa and Ghana the best that we can,” Ayew said.
The 35-year-old believes the combination of the players’ commitment and Queiroz’s tactical ideas can help Ghana produce a memorable campaign.
“I’m confident that with the manager’s ideas and the boys’ commitment, I’m sure we will surprise people,” he added.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and will be hoping to improve on their performances in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage.
The Black Stars remain Africa’s closest side to reaching a World Cup semi-final after their historic quarter-final run in South Africa in 2010.
Ayew is expected to play a crucial leadership role in a squad that blends experienced campaigners with a new generation of talented players eager to make their mark on the global stage.
The friendly against Wales will provide Queiroz with another opportunity to assess his team before the final stages of preparation. Ghana are also scheduled to face Jamaica on June 10 before departing for the World Cup.
Drawn in Group L, the Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 as they seek a place in the knockout stages.