- Jordan Ayew Backs Black Stars to Surprise Critics at 2026 World Cup
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says he is determined to help Ghana recreate the spirit of the country’s famous 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign as the national team prepares for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking to FIFA ahead of the competition, the veteran forward said his main motivation is to make Ghanaians proud and bring joy back to the country through football. FIFA published the interview under the theme of Ayew aiming to emulate Ghana’s class of 2010.
“I just want to go there and enjoy the moment. Have fun, make the country very proud, make myself proud, and be happy with myself and my teammates,” Ayew said.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars are scheduled to begin their campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17, before facing Croatia and England in later group matches.
For Ayew, who is set for his third World Cup appearance, the tournament represents another opportunity to write himself deeper into Ghana’s football story. But the Leicester City forward insists personal milestones are secondary to team success.
Ayew is closing in on the national team appearance record held by his elder brother, André Ayew, but says winning for Ghana matters more than individual numbers.
“I never thought that I would get to where I am today. I just keep on pushing and working,” he said.
“But for me personally, I’d prefer to have six caps and win a trophy. I just keep enjoying my football, trying to give my best for my country and make my family proud.”
Since being named captain of the Black Stars, Ayew has become one of the senior figures in the squad, carrying the responsibility of leading a team that will enter the World Cup with both expectation and doubt around its chances.
“It’s an honour and a big responsibility,” he said. “I always try to put my teammates first, motivate them and make sure everybody is ready for each game.”
Known for his calm personality, Ayew said his leadership style is built around composure and natural handling of pressure.
“I’m just a chilled person. I deal with things as they come,” he added.
Ghana will enter the tournament seeking to improve on recent World Cup disappointments. Since the historic quarter-final run in South Africa in 2010, the Black Stars have failed to progress beyond the group stage in their subsequent appearances.
Ayew, however, believes the current squad has the quality to surprise critics if the players approach the tournament with belief, discipline and unity.
“We have to prove ourselves and show that we have quality,” he said. “Obviously people don’t think we will do well, and that’s good. I like it when people think like that. We will see when we get there.”
One of Ghana’s most anticipated fixtures will be against England, a country Ayew described as his “third home” after spending more than a decade playing club football there.
“It’s going to be a special game,” he said. “I’ve experienced everything there and really enjoyed my time in England.”
Ayew also reflected on Ghana’s memorable 2010 World Cup run, when the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals and came within a penalty kick of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
For him, the most powerful memory of that campaign was not only the football, but the national emotion it created.
“The vibe and energy they brought into the country was incredible,” Ayew recalled. “To see people going to work with smiles on their faces, there’s nothing better than that. That’s what football is all about.”
The Black Stars captain said the current team wants to give Ghanaians a similar feeling during the 2026 campaign.
“We will try and do our best to give hope and let people enjoy their days at work,” he said.
For Ghana, the challenge will be difficult. Group L brings together European pedigree, Central American ambition and a Black Stars side still searching for consistency on the global stage.
But for Ayew, the mission is straightforward: compete with pride, silence the doubts and give Ghana another World Cup memory worthy of the 2010 generation.
