Ghana faces mounting pressure and doubts ahead of 2026 World Cup group stage

Former France and World Cup winner Marcel Desailly warned that Ghana is under intense public pressure after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a first in over two decades. The missed tournament has raised expectations for the Black Stars, who will be led by newly appointed coach Carlos Queiroz at the 2026 World Cup, opening against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before facing England and Croatia.

European agent and former Serbia forward Goran Milovanović expressed skepticism about Ghana advancing past the group stage, citing the short time Queiroz has had to implement his ideas and the difficulty of the group. He predicts a draw with Panama and defeats to England and Croatia, leaving Ghana unlikely to progress to the knockout round.