You must be ready for any opponent – Tony Baffoe downplays talk of ‘easy’ World Cup group

Former Black Stars defender Tony Baffoe, has urged Ghanaians to move away from the obsession with a “favourable draw” following Ghana’s placement in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana were drawn alongside England, Croatia and Panama in a tough-looking group for the final tournament.

At the time of the draw, the FIFA World Rankings placed:

• England – 4th

• Croatia – 10th

• Panama – 30th

• Ghana – 72nd

Speaking to Citi Sports, Baffoe insists no World Cup group can be described as easy, stressing that Ghana’s focus must shift to preparation rather than complaints.

“What is a favourable group? Can you tell me? Look, this is a World Cup and when you go to a World Cup, you have to be prepared to play against any opponent.

Ghana is not going to the World Cup for the first time, this is the fifth time so we have to prepare technically, tactically, management and the players to get the best out of the team. Prepare them well and go there with confidence

Baffoe also warned against a repeat of Ghana’s early exit in the last World Cup, stressing the need for attention to detail both on and off the pitch.

It’s all about attention to detail,  preparation is very important and  creating good team spirit in camp is key, and management must go the extra mile to prepare the boys with the right mentality and until then anything is possible.

Ghana will open their Group L campaign against Panama, with all focus now on building the right structure and mindset ahead of the global showpiece.