Former Kwesi Nyantakyi has urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana will make its fifth appearance at the global showpiece this summer after being drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

Despite concerns over the senior national team’s recent performances, Nyantakyi remains optimistic about the Black Stars’ chances at the tournament.

The former GFA president, who oversaw Ghana’s historic quarter-final run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, believes the team can still surprise critics.

“As I told somebody yesterday, never write off any Ghana team,” Nyantakyi told the Daily Graphic.

“The time that you have little faith in them is when they spring surprises. Let us rally behind them, and I think they can do well,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have officially opened camp ahead of the tournament and will continue preparations with an international friendly against Wales on June 2 at Cardiff City Stadium.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz is also expected to announce his final 26-man squad for the Mundial before the friendly encounter.

Ghana will begin their Group L campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17 before taking on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. The Black Stars will conclude their group-stage matches against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.

Having suffered group-stage exits at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar, Ghana will be aiming for a return to the knockout stage for the first time in more than a decade.