Former Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi is rallying Ghanaians to keep their faith burning for the Black Stars as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, reminding everyone that the national team has a knack for defying the odds, even when recent results have been less than stellar.

Ghana, proud four-time African champions, is ramping up its preparations for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Yet, the team faces mounting pressure after a string of lackluster performances in recent friendlies.

As the World Cup draws near, Nyantakyi points to Ghana’s history of rising to the occasion when the world least expects it.

“As I told somebody yesterday, never rule out any Ghana team,” the former CAF first vice president told the Daily Graphic.

“The moment people begin to doubt them is often when they surprise everyone. We should continue to support them because I believe they can perform well,” he added.

The Ghana national football team will make its fifth World Cup appearance after being drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before taking on England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. Their final group match will be against Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Ghana is currently in Cardiff preparing for an international friendly against the Wales national football team on June 2 as part of their final preparations for the tournament.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has already announced a provisional 28-man squad, with the final list expected to be confirmed on June 1.

The Black Stars are determined to break their group-stage curse and recapture the magic of their unforgettable 2010 quarter-final run, after early exits in both 2014 and 2022.