Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana’s squad is determined to recreate the excitement and national pride generated by the country’s historic 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign when they compete at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking in an interview with FIFA, the Leicester City forward said his greatest ambition is to help bring joy to Ghanaians and make the nation proud on football’s biggest stage.
“I just want to go there and enjoy the moment, have fun, make the country very proud, make myself proud, and be happy with myself and my teammates,” Ayew said.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before taking on Croatia and England in their remaining group matches.
Set to feature in his third FIFA World Cup, Ayew views the tournament as another opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s football history. However, he insists team success remains more important than personal achievements.
The 34-year-old is edging closer to the national team appearance record held by his elder brother, André Ayew, but says lifting a trophy for Ghana would mean far more than any individual milestone.
“I never thought that I would get to where I am today. I just keep on pushing and working,” he said.
“But for me personally, I’d prefer to have six caps and win a trophy. I just keep enjoying my football, trying to give my best for my country and make my family proud.”
Since being appointed captain, Ayew has become one of the team’s key leaders, guiding a squad that heads into the World Cup with both expectations and questions surrounding its prospects.
“It’s an honour and a big responsibility,” he said. “I always try to put my teammates first, motivate them and make sure everybody is ready for each game.”
Known for his calm demeanor, Ayew believes his ability to remain composed helps him handle the pressures that come with leading the national team.
“I’m just a chilled person. I deal with things as they come,” he added.
Ghana will be aiming to improve on its recent World Cup performances. Since reaching the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010, the Black Stars have failed to advance beyond the group stage in subsequent appearances.
Despite the doubts surrounding the team, Ayew is confident Ghana can exceed expectations if the players remain united and disciplined.
“We have to prove ourselves and show that we have quality,” he said. “Obviously people don’t think we will do well, and that’s good. I like it when people think like that. We will see when we get there.”
One of the most anticipated matches of Ghana’s group-stage campaign will be against England, a country Ayew considers his “third home” after spending much of his professional career there.
“It’s going to be a special game,” he said. “I’ve experienced everything there and really enjoyed my time in England.”
Ayew also reflected on Ghana’s unforgettable 2010 World Cup journey, when the Black Stars came within a penalty kick of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
According to him, the most lasting memory of that campaign was the happiness it brought to people across the country.
“The vibe and energy they brought into the country was incredible,” he recalled. “To see people going to work with smiles on their faces, there’s nothing better than that. That’s what football is all about.”
The Black Stars captain says the current generation hopes to inspire Ghanaians in the same way during the 2026 tournament.
“We will try and do our best to give hope and let people enjoy their days at work,” he said.
With England, Croatia and Panama standing in their path, Ghana face a difficult challenge. But Ayew remains focused on helping the Black Stars defy expectations, silence their critics and create another World Cup story that Ghanaians can proudly remember.
