Former Ghana international William Kwabena Tierro has described the Black Stars’ group at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a difficult one, urging the team to approach the tournament with seriousness and thorough preparation.
Ghana were drawn in Group L alongside European giants England, 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, and Panama following the official draw held in Washington on December 5.
The expanded 48-team World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at the global showpiece. The Black Stars previously featured in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022, with their best run coming in South Africa 2010, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Speaking in an interview on Kessben FM, Tierro stressed that Ghana must avoid complacency against any of their group opponents.
“It won’t be easy for Ghana at the World Cup. It will be a disaster if Ghana underestimates any team in the group,” he said.
“There are no minnows in football anymore because the game has evolved.”
The former Black Stars midfielder was particularly cautious about Panama, warning that the Central American side poses a genuine threat.
“You underrate Panama at your own risk. Their style of play is similar to teams in South and North America. The fact that they qualified from that region shows their quality,” Tierro added.
He concluded by calling on the Black Stars to prioritize preparation ahead of the tournament.
“Our group is not easy at all. Ghana must prepare very well if we want to compete.”
As part of preparations for the World Cup, Ghana have lined up a high-profile international friendly against Germany, scheduled for March 30, 2026, as they build towards the tournament.
