Laryea Kingston says he believes Black Stars will advance beyond the World Cup group stage
Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has expressed optimism about the Black Stars’ chances of advancing beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana, four-time African champions, missed out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco but secured qualification for the upcoming tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
With less than five months to go before the tournament, Kingston voiced concern over the growing number of injuries among key players but remained hopeful.
“For me, I don’t really expect anything more than for us to go through the group stage. I’ll be happy for us to go through the group stage, but I worry that some of the players have picked up injuries. If Otoo Addo gets these trusted players fit, then we can do something,” he added.
“Otto Addo has been with these players for some time, and I am told that they now understand themselves, so he should be comfortable with the players as well,” Kingston added.
Among the injured are Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus, Tariq Lamptey, Francis Abu, and Abdul Mumin.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, face England in Boston, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
After exiting at the group stage in both Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, the Black Stars are eager to make a stronger impact on football’s biggest stage.
