By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Manchester City ace Antoine Semenyo predicts a tidal wave of Black Stars supporters will electrify the 2026 World Cup, turning North American venues into home turf.
Locked into Africa’s nine slots for the 48-team extravaganza across the US, Canada, and Mexico, Ghana faces a daunting Group L: powerhouses England, 2018 runners-up Croatia, and CONCACAF’s Panama. Semenyo, speaking to CBS Sports, foresees cultural dominance as key to advancement.
Ghana launches in Toronto against Panama on June 17, then clashes with England in Boston on June 23, wrapping group stage versus Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
“We’re going to come in big bunches. In big tournaments, we show our culture,dances, singing, endless crowd support. Ghana runs through people’s veins back home. We love football; this World Cup’s gonna be amazing. God willing, we do well in America.”; Semenyo enthused.
Marking their fifth appearance after 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 outings, peaking with 2010 quarterfinal magic, Semenyo eyes history. His City form adds firepower, but he banks on diaspora passion to rattle foes.
Experts nod to fan power’s edge in the expanded format, where vibe can sway tight ties. England and Croatia, battle-tested, face unfamiliar fervor; Panama could crumble early.
As tickets drop, Ghanaians worldwide mobilize. Semenyo’s hype ignites dreams of knockout glory, proving heart trumps heavyweights.
