A former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie, believes the Ghana national football team can cause an upset against England national football team if the team finds its rhythm and prepares well for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana will face England in their second Group L match of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, Mr Afriyie said while the game against England will not be easy, he believes the Black Stars have what it takes to produce a surprise result if preparations go well.

“I don’t see it as an easy game for us, but if we get our rhythm right, everything is well in camp, the team is well prepared physically, psychologically and motivationally, and the boys are in the right frame of mind when they step onto the pitch, they can cause an upset against England,” he said.

Mr Afriyie also emphasised the importance of Ghana’s opening match against Panama national football team, describing it as crucial to the team’s chances of progressing from the group.

“First of all, we need to win against Panama to position ourselves to either win or pick a point against England or beat Croatia or pick a point,” he said.

“Whichever way, it can propel us if we are to make a mark and go beyond the group stage.

“I expect us to beat Panama. The first match is very important and, among our group opponents, trust me, our best bet is against Panama.

“We all know England and Croatia national football team are ahead of us in terms of FIFA rankings, but national team football is quite tricky,” he added.

The Black Stars, who will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup, will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23 and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

As part of preparations, Ghana will hold a training camp in March featuring friendly matches against Austria national football team and Germany national football team. The team will also play Mexico national football team in May before wrapping up their preparations with a final friendly against Wales national football team on June 2.

During the tournament, the team will be based at Bryant University.

After exiting at the group stage in both the 2014 and 2022 editions of the tournament, the Black Stars will be aiming for a stronger performance in North America.