Former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has tipped Ghana to emerge as the surprise package of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in a World Cup prediction and answers feature with the Daily Mail, the former Chelsea star did not hesitate when asked which nation could shock the football world at the tournament.”Ghana,” Essien responded when quizzed about the surprise package of the competition.
The 43-year-old also expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to make a deep run at the tournament when asked how far Ghana could go.
“So far as Ghana is going to beat them, they can go as far as they want. Ghana first,” he said.
Essien remains one of Ghana’s most celebrated footballers, having represented the Black Stars at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and the 2014 edition in Brazil.
His endorsement comes as Ghana prepares to take on some of the world’s best teams, with hopes of producing another memorable World Cup campaign.
