John Paintsil is the Black Stars assistant coach
Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil has underscored the importance of having a fully fit squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that injuries to key players could derail the country’s ambitions.
With fewer than four months to the start of the tournament, concerns remain over the fitness of several first-team regulars.
Mohammed Kudus is currently sidelined with an injury, while Francis Abu and Mohammed Salisu are also expected to miss the global showpiece.
However, Abdul Mumin has recently returned to full fitness after a lengthy spell out.
Head coach Otto Addo is set to name his final squad on June 1, with expectations mounting back home for a strong showing on the world stage.
Paintsil, who represented Ghana at the 2006 World Cup, believes experience could count in the team’s favour but only if the squad is at full strength.
“When it comes to the World Cup, Ghana is now experienced. We have been to the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010,” he told 3Sports.
“Coming into this World Cup, the expectation is very high. I can’t wait to see how things will go on our side. Like I keep saying, I want all our players to be fit, so they’ll be ready for the call-up,” Paintsil, who played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, added.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L, where they will face the Panama national football team, the England national football team, and the Croatia national football team.
The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England six days later. Their final group fixture will be against Croatia on June 27.
As part of their preparations, Ghana is scheduled to regroup in March for international friendlies against the Austria national football team and Germany national football team, before rounding off their build-up with a test against the Mexico national football team in May.
