Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus says the Black Stars are not intimidated by their 2026 World Cup group, even though it includes two of the strongest teams in the competition.
The draw, held on Friday in Washington DC, placed Ghana in Group L alongside England, 2022 semifinalists Croatia and Panama.
The group has already been described by many analysts as one of the toughest of the tournament. But Kudus believes Ghana’s qualification alone shows the team is capable of competing with the world’s best.
‘Qualifying was a statement’
Speaking after the draw, the Tottenham Hotspur player said reaching the expanded 48-team World Cup should be seen as a sign of Ghana’s progress.
“Qualifying for the World Cup alone is a big statement from us and shows what we can do,” he said. Kudus played a key part in Ghana’s qualifying campaign and remains one of the team’s most important attacking players.
He added that the squad is motivated rather than nervous about the challenge ahead. “It’ll be interesting. I’m looking forward to it. We know the teams we’re going to face, and we’ll be ready for them.”
Black Stars aim to return to knockout stage
Ghana will now begin preparations for their fifth World Cup appearance, hoping to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010, when they famously made it to the quarter-finals. The team is expected to organise early training camps and international friendlies before the tournament begins in June 2026.
The Black Stars, four-time African champions, last played at the World Cup in 2022 but exited in the group stage. With Kudus in top form and a younger squad emerging, Ghana will try to prove they can survive one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.