As England prepare to face Ghana in their crucial World Cup 2026 group encounter, the Three Lions will be wary of a Ghanaian side rejuvenated under new manager Carlos Queiroz. The Black Stars, who sacked Otto Addo just 72 days before the tournament, began their campaign with a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Panama, boosting hopes of a first knockout stage appearance since their iconic 2010 quarter-final run.
England, meanwhile, are looking to secure a second straight win after their opening triumph, and Harry Kane will again be central to their ambitions. But who are the Ghanaian players that could spoil the party at Lincoln Financial Field? BBC Sport has identified five key threats – here is what you need to know.
Star Man: Antoine Semenyo
The obvious dangerman is Antoine Semenyo. The Manchester City winger arrives at the World Cup on the back of a sensational club season, having finished third in the Premier League Golden Boot race with 17 goals across spells at Bournemouth and City following his £65m January move.
A genuinely two-footed wide forward, Semenyo registered 103 shots with his left and 95 with his right over the past two league campaigns, and spent almost equal time on both flanks. He scored the FA Cup final winner and helped City to two trophies, yet his international record remains a curious anomaly: just three goals in 35 caps, and only one in his last 28 outings. England’s defenders cannot afford to let him find his club groove on the big stage.
The Young Talent: Caleb Yirenkyi
Box-to-box midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has already made headlines at this World Cup, scoring the 94th-minute winner against Panama. The 20-year-old Nordsjaelland starlet, used out of position at right-back by previous coach Otto Addo, has been restored to midfield by Queiroz and is thriving.
Yirenkyi’s statistical profile from the 2025-26 Danish Superliga underlines his all-action style: he led all midfielders for possession won in the final third (26) and ball recoveries (205), and ranked third overall for successful passes in the opposition half (881). Off the pitch, he is a national robotics champion, having won Ghana’s 2019 National RiSE Robotics Championship at 13. On it, he combines intelligence with relentless energy – a combination that could trouble Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
The Veteran: Jordan Ayew
Jordan Ayew is the embodiment of Ghanaian football royalty. The 34-year-old became the country’s all-time cap leader (121) in the Panama game, surpassing brother Andre Ayew. As the son of legend Abedi Pele, and following in the footsteps of his brother, being named captain in 2025 felt like destiny.
Despite being released by Leicester City after their second straight relegation – he scored just six times in 45 games – Ayew’s international form has been superb. He has netted 14 goals in his last 22 caps, including a qualifying hat-trick against the Central African Republic. He scored more goals in qualifying for this World Cup (seven in 10) than for his club all season. Now chasing a first World Cup goal at his third tournament, England cannot write him off.
The Wildcard: Brandon Thomas-Asante
Forward Brandon Thomas-Asante provides a different dimension to Ghana’s attack. The pacey attacker’s direct running off the shoulder of the last defender makes him a constant outlet. While his goalscoring record is not prolific, his movement can create space for Semenyo and Ayew to exploit. England’s backline will need to maintain concentration to avoid being caught out by his energetic bursts.
Quick Facts
Fixture: England vs Ghana
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage
Date: 23 June 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 BST
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
UK Broadcast: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app
Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds
Key Takeaways
- Antoine Semenyo’s two-footed threat and club form make him Ghana’s primary danger – despite a modest international record.
- Caleb Yirenkyi’s energy and ball-winning ability in midfield could disrupt England’s rhythm, fresh from his match-winning goal against Panama.
- Jordan Ayew’s vast experience and excellent recent scoring rate for his country mean he must not be underestimated, even at 34.
- Brandon Thomas-Asante’s pace and movement add another layer of unpredictability to Ghana’s attack.
- Under Carlos Queiroz, Ghana are a more tactically disciplined side, and England will need to be at their best to secure a second group win.
Source: BBC Sport
