Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has sent a bold warning to England after declaring the Black Stars’ ambition to finish top of Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Drawn alongside England, Croatia and Panama, the Black Stars are widely viewed as underdogs, with the Three Lions tipped as favourites to lead the group. England will open their campaign against Croatia in Dallas, face Ghana in Boston, and conclude their group matches in New Jersey.

However, Adams insists Ghana are ready to challenge the hierarchy and believes England should not underestimate the four-time African champions.

Speaking to SunSport, Adams said Ghana are fully prepared to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.

“We know England are giants when it comes to football, but so is Ghana.
Historically, we have always done well when we play big countries at the World Cup.

Our aim is to prepare so well, leaving no stone unturned, that we don’t just qualify from the group, we finish top.
Our players are competing in the best leagues in Europe and we already have a clear plan.

We know how to win this group, and I’m really looking forward to playing England because we believe we are in the same league as them.”

As part of their preparation, Ghana have lined up four high-profile warm-up matches ahead of the tournament. The series begins next month with a friendly against Austria, followed by a clash with Germany, a team the Black Stars believe mirrors England’s playing style.

Two additional friendlies are yet to be confirmed, with one expected to take place in the United States just days before the World Cup kicks off.

The Black Stars are also confident that weather conditions could work in their favour, with several matches expected to be played in high temperatures. England manager Thomas Tuchel has already suggested he may need to take extreme measures, including keeping substitutes in the dressing room, to manage hydration levels.

Ghanaian officials and fans alike believe a major upset is possible, pointing to Senegal’s famous friendly victory over England last year as proof that the Three Lions can be rattled. Head coach Otto Addo remains confident his side can spring another surprise on the world stage.