Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has urged the national team to set their sights beyond mere participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and focus on advancing past the group stage.

Ghana, four-time African champions, will compete in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Black Stars are in Group L with Panama, England, and Croatia.

Kingston, who was not part of Ghana’s squads for the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, believes the team’s strong reputation in African football requires them to compete with ambition rather than settle for participation.

“My expectations are simple. Ghana commands a lot of respect in Africa — our mindset is not to just go and participate,” Kingston told Graphic Sports.

“We are expected to go out there and perform well, and I believe we can at least make it out of the group,” he added.

The Black Stars will begin 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 their preparations, Ghana will gather in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany, followed by a final warm-up match against Mexico in May. During the tournament, the team will be based at Bryant University in the United States.

After exiting the group stage in both the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, Ghana will be determined to deliver a stronger performance at the upcoming tournament in North America.