Former Black Stars defender Jonathan Mensah has lauded Ghana’s fighting spirit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team’s Round of 32 exit should not overshadow the progress made during the tournament.
Ghana’s campaign ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, with an early strike proving decisive in Kansas City as the South Americans booked their place in the Round of 16.
While the result was a painful one for the Black Stars and their supporters, Mensah believes the team has taken meaningful steps forward under head coach Carlos Queiroz and should build on the experience rather than dwell on disappointment.
Reflecting on the match, the experienced centre-back admitted Ghana were immediately put on the back foot after conceding early against a strong Colombian side.
“It’s unfortunate that we go down a goal and then we couldn’t get the goal back. Conceding first 15 minutes is always tough,” Mensah said.
He noted that while Ghana showed determination in possession and effort without the ball, breaking down Colombia’s organised defence proved difficult.
“We didn’t create enough chances to get back into the game. It’s unfortunate, but we are proud of the guys,” he added.
Despite the elimination, Mensah praised Ghana for reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, describing it as an important milestone in the team’s development.
“Getting out of the group is good, but you want to always remain humble and hungry. At this point, we can only be hungry,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the squad, which featured several young players, will benefit greatly from the experience gained on football’s biggest stage.
“They will grow from this. I’m proud of the boys and the whole Ghana is proud of them,” Mensah noted.
Mensah stressed that although the World Cup exit was disappointing, Ghana’s performances throughout the tournament showed clear signs of improvement, particularly in defensive organisation and team unity.
Under Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars demonstrated resilience and structure, navigating a tough group before falling narrowly in the knockout stage.
While the journey ended earlier than hoped, Mensah believes the tournament has laid the foundation for a stronger future as Ghana turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
For the former captain, the message is clear: Ghana may be out, but the growth shown suggests brighter days are ahead if the team continues to build on its progress.
