Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo has declared that Ghana are determined to finish at the top of Group L as they prepare for their decisive final group-stage encounter against Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Buoyed by an unbeaten start to the tournament and growing confidence within the squad, the industrious midfielder believes the Black Stars have what it takes to secure all three points and book their place in the Round of 32 as group winners.
Ghana’s impressive campaign has seen them collect four points from their opening two matches after edging Panama 1-0 before producing a disciplined defensive performance to earn a goalless draw against England at Boston Stadium. While England dominated possession for large spells, the Black Stars remained compact, resilient and committed throughout the contest, frustrating one of the tournament favourites and proving they can compete against the world’s best. The result has left both Ghana and England level on four points heading into the final round of Group L fixtures, setting up an exciting battle for top spot.
Sibo, who was one of Ghana’s standout performers against England, credited head coach Carlos Queiroz for the tactical discipline that helped the Black Stars earn a valuable point. According to the midfielder, every player fully embraced the manager’s instructions and executed the game plan to perfection.
“He told us to be compact. He told us to fight for each other. And he told us that, at this moment, he knows that we will suffer because we are playing against a great team. But still, we should keep our mentality tough, fight from the first minute to 90 minutes,” Sibo said.
Reflecting on the team’s display, the midfielder praised his teammates for their commitment and determination throughout the encounter, insisting the players delivered exactly what the coaching staff demanded despite coming under sustained pressure from England.
“I think we listened to him and we followed his instructions and we did the job for him.”
With qualification for the knockout stage now within touching distance, Sibo says the focus has immediately shifted to Saturday’s crucial clash against Croatia. Rather than settling for qualification alone, the midfielder revealed that the Black Stars are aiming for maximum points to ensure they finish above every other team in the group.
“Now, the game against Croatia — I don’t think, I just believe that we’re going to take all three points,” he said. “We want to be leaders in the group, and we are not looking back.”
The 26-year-old admitted that Ghana had to adopt a more cautious approach against England because of the quality of the opposition. However, he believes the Black Stars will have greater opportunities to express themselves offensively when they face Croatia, with the entire squad motivated by the chance to make the nation proud.
“Against England, we defended a lot. We had one chance that could have given us three points. So, going against Croatia, it’s all in all, for the nation,” Sibo said.
Ghana will head into Saturday’s encounter at Lincoln Financial Field knowing that victory would not only secure qualification to the Round of 32 but could also see them finish as Group L winners. With confidence growing after an unbeaten start, strong tactical organisation under Carlos Queiroz, and unwavering belief within the dressing room, the Black Stars are determined to complete the job and continue their impressive journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
