Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has praised his teammates for the impressive start they have made at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the squad has shown that it can compete with some of the best teams in world football.
The experienced forward made the comments during a visit by a high-powered Ghanaian delegation to the team’s training camp in Rhode Island on Thursday. The delegation travelled to encourage the players and technical staff ahead of Ghana’s decisive final Group L match against Croatia, while also delivering messages of support from the government and football-loving Ghanaians back home.
Ayew believes the team’s performances in the opening two matches have justified the confidence shown in the squad by supporters, adding that the players are determined to continue making the country proud as the tournament progresses.
Black Stars enjoy positive start to World Cup campaign
Ghana have made an encouraging start to their World Cup journey, collecting four points from their opening two Group L fixtures to place themselves in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 32.
The Black Stars opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in a tightly contested encounter. Although the match was far from easy, Ghana showed discipline, patience and resilience to secure all three points and begin the tournament on a winning note.
The victory gave Carlos Queiroz’s side confidence heading into a much tougher assignment against England, one of the tournament favourites.
Many expected the Three Lions to dominate the contest, but Ghana produced one of their most disciplined performances in recent years to frustrate Thomas Tuchel’s side throughout the 90 minutes.
Despite England enjoying long spells of possession, the Black Stars defended brilliantly and created opportunities of their own before earning a valuable goalless draw.
The result moved Ghana onto four points after two matches, leaving qualification for the knockout stages firmly in their own hands.
Ayew praises teammates for their commitment
Speaking during the visit by government officials, Ayew expressed pride in the attitude and commitment shown by every member of the squad since the tournament began.
According to the captain, the players have demonstrated that they possess the quality, determination and mentality needed to compete against elite opposition on football’s biggest stage.
“We’ve shown that we’re capable of performing at the highest level,” Ayew said.
His comments reflect the growing belief inside the Ghana camp after the encouraging results against Panama and England.
Rather than being satisfied with what they have already achieved, the players remain focused on maintaining their high standards as they prepare for another crucial challenge.
Ayew, one of the most experienced members of the squad, has played an important leadership role both on and off the pitch throughout the tournament. His experience has helped guide several younger players who are competing in their first World Cup.
Government delegation boosts team morale
The visit to Ghana’s training camp brought together several senior government officials and prominent personalities, all eager to encourage the Black Stars before their decisive final group match.
The delegation was led by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Smith, and also included Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama.
Each member of the delegation addressed the players and coaching staff, thanking them for representing the country with pride and encouraging them to continue believing in themselves.
The visit created a positive atmosphere within the camp, with players appreciating the support shown by government officials despite the team’s busy preparation schedule.
Such visits have become an important tradition during major international tournaments, helping players feel connected to supporters back home while reminding them of the responsibility they carry whenever they wear the national colours.
Confidence growing under Carlos Queiroz
Much of Ghana’s improvement has been credited to head coach Carlos Queiroz, who took charge of the national team only a few months before the World Cup.
The experienced Portuguese coach has quickly established a well-organised and disciplined side capable of competing against some of the strongest nations in international football.
His tactical approach has transformed Ghana into one of the tournament’s most difficult teams to break down.
Against England, the Black Stars defended as a unit, maintained excellent organisation and restricted one of Europe’s strongest attacks to very few clear scoring opportunities.
Players have repeatedly praised Queiroz for the confidence he has instilled in the squad, while several football experts have highlighted the remarkable progress Ghana have made under his leadership in such a short period.
Ayew’s comments further underline the unity that now exists between the coaching staff and the players as they chase qualification for the knockout rounds.
Croatia challenge awaits
Although Ghana’s start has been encouraging, Ayew knows the team’s work is far from complete.
The Black Stars now turn their full attention to Saturday’s decisive Group L clash against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The match carries enormous importance for both countries.
Ghana know that victory would guarantee qualification for the Round of 32 and could even see them finish as winners of Group L, depending on England’s result against Panama.
Croatia, meanwhile, also remain in contention and will arrive determined to secure the points needed to continue their own World Cup campaign.
That sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most important matches of Ghana’s tournament.
The Black Stars will need another disciplined and determined performance if they are to overcome the experienced European side.
Team relocates to Philadelphia
Following the visit from the government delegation, Ghana completed their preparations in Rhode Island before travelling to Philadelphia ahead of the final group-stage fixture.
The move allows the players and technical staff to settle into their new surroundings before matchday while continuing their training programme without disruption.
Preparations have focused on recovery, tactical work and ensuring every player is physically ready for the decisive encounter.
The coaching staff remain hopeful that several players carrying minor injuries will also be available for selection, giving Queiroz as many options as possible for such an important fixture.
Eyes firmly fixed on the knockout stage
The Black Stars want to qualify for the Round of 32 for the first time since their memorable run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when Ghana reached the quarter-finals and came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
The current squad believes it can create its own piece of history by extending Ghana’s stay in North America.
The players have already earned praise for their performances against Panama and England, but they know their success will ultimately be judged by whether they reach the knockout rounds.
Ayew’s confidence reflects the positive mood inside the Ghana camp as the team prepares for one final push in the group stage.
With four points already secured, strong defensive performances behind them and belief growing with every match, the Black Stars head into the Croatia encounter knowing that another disciplined display could secure their place among the last 32 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and keep alive the dreams of millions of Ghanaian supporters around the world.
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