Football enthusiasts in Kumasi say the Black Stars’ draw against England has restored confidence in the squad, as many insist Ghana is now ready for any challenge at the 2026 World Cup.

The Black Stars held England to a pulsating goalless draw in their second Group L match of the ongoing World Cup at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on Wednesday.

For fans in the Ashanti Region, the result showed the Black Stars’ growth and resilience, saying they are satisfied with the performance.

“People were not expecting that performance from our guys because playing against an England team that has Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and other quality players, and you compare that to Ghana that has only Antoine Semenyo, upon all this they were able to fight and get that result. That was an excellent performance,” said Francis, a supporter who watched the match on KNUST Campus.

“That draw has boosted our confidence as Ghanaians. I think we are seeing another batch of the Abedi Pele-era squad. The coach is very tactical. Initially, England were doing very well and it seemed Ghana would not perform, but in the second half there was different energy from the Ghana players. I hope, with the same performance, Ghana can win the World Cup,” said Ernest Arthur, a teacher at KNUST.

“Our boys did well yesterday and, God willing, they will continue to bring joy to us. “We saw discipline, energy and belief against England. That’s not something we’ve seen often. If they keep this same attitude, I believe Ghana can go far at the World Cup and make all Ghanaians proud,” said another football fan.

Several fans also heaped praise on head coach Carlos Queiroz for the tactical discipline he has instilled in the team.

They urged the Ghana Football Association to secure his services long-term.

“The coach is very tactical and he understands the players. You could see the game plan. We defended well, transitioned quickly, and didn’t panic after going down. That’s coaching. The GFA should give him more than a 10-year contract to coach the Black Stars so he can build a stable team without interference,” Issac Gyan said.

Another supporter, Akosua Mensah from Kejetia Market, echoed the call. “We’ve had too many short-term coaches coming and going. Carlos Queiroz knows black stars players and the boys trust him. If the GFA really wants us to compete at the World Cup, they must back him with a long contract and give him time. Ten years or more, let him build this project and won Africa Cup of Nations for us,” she said.

The stalemate marks one of Ghana’s best results against a top-ranked European side in recent years.

Ghana head into their last Group L clash against Croatia knowing qualification for the Round of 32 is firmly within their grasp.

The Black Stars have four points from their opening two matches after beating Panama 1-0 and holding England to a goalless draw. Those results have left Carlos Queiroz’s side second in the group, level on points with England and one point ahead of Croatia.

The simplest route is victory.

If Ghana defeat Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday, they will finish with seven points and automatically qualify for the Round of 32. Depending on England’s result against Panama, the Black Stars could even finish top of Group L.

A draw is enough

Ghana’s position means they only need a draw against Croatia to guarantee qualification.

A point would move the Black Stars to five points, leaving Croatia on four. That would secure at least second place in the group and an automatic place in the knockout stage.

What if Ghana lose?

Even defeat would not necessarily end Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

Under the expanded 48-team World Cup format, the top two teams from each group qualify automatically, while the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups also advance to the Round of 32.

If Ghana lose to Croatia, they would remain on four points and could finish third if England avoid defeat against Panama. Four points is traditionally a strong total for a third-placed team and could be enough to secure one of the best third-place qualification spots, depending on results in other groups.