Former Dreams FC and Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito believes Ghana has what it takes to advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, provided the team approaches the tournament with the right mentality.

The Black Stars are set to make their fifth appearance at football’s biggest global competition, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

Ghana heads into the tournament seeking an improved performance after disappointing exits at the group stage in both the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Speaking in an interview with Koforidua-based Swiit FM, Zito acknowledged the challenge posed by Ghana’s opponents but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete and progress.

“It won’t be easy for the Black Stars considering the quality of our opponents, but I believe that with the right attitude, we can succeed,” he said.

The veteran coach pointed to recent examples in Ghanaian football to illustrate the unpredictable nature of the sport.

“In the just-ended season, a second-division club shocked everyone by eliminating Hearts of Oak from the FA Cup, something nobody expected.

“This is football; anything can happen. I’m confident the team can progress beyond the group stage,” Zito added.

Ghana will kick off its World Cup 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 fixtures against Croatia on June 27.

Under the guidance of head coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana will be hoping to secure a place in the knockout rounds for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.