A FORMER Ghana midfielder, Michael Essien, has urged the Black Stars to focus on each match individually as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.
Ghana will make her fifth World Cup appearance at the 2026 edition, campaigning in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
Speaking to FIFA, Essien, who represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2014 tournaments in Germany and Brazil, acknowledged the challenges of the group but encouraged the team to approach it one match at a time.
“That’s a tough group. But there are always tough games to play, and it’s up to you to win them,” the 2012 Champions League winner said.
“They should take every game as it comes and do their best. It’s a tournament—anything can happen.
“You just have to make sure you win your games and keep moving. Let’s see what they can do,” Essien added.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
The former Ghana international tipped Kamaldeen Sulemana to play a key role for the Black Stars at the competition.
Despite his limited game time and recent struggles in front of goal, the Atalanta winger has remained an important figure for the national team, earning the confidence of coaches and teammates alike.
“Sulemana is a great talent. I managed to see him here, and he’s got a lot of qualities in him. He’s a good dribbler, he’s very fast, and he’s quite strong,” he said.
The former Chelsea midfielder urged the 25-year-old to express himself freely on the pitch, insisting that confidence will be key to unlocking his full potential.
“Hopefully, he can bring that on board. He has to feel free and be himself when he’s on the pitch, then the rest will come,” he added.
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