Musicians rally support for Black Stars
Several Ghanaian musicians have released songs to support the Ghana Black Stars as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative continues Ghana’s tradition of using music to unite fans and inspire the national team during major international football competitions. Artistes such as Stonebwoy, Akwaboah, and Kofi Kinaata are among those who have contributed anthems aimed at boosting morale and national pride.
The music-driven campaign highlights the significant cultural role Ghana’s entertainment industry plays in national football efforts. These songs are designed to rally national support for the Black Stars ahead of both the qualifiers and the global tournament.
Stonebwoy released an official World Cup theme song for the Ghana Black Stars, which premiered in late March 2026. This anthem was created to generate excitement and support for the national team’s campaign. Highlife musician Kofi Kinaata also released a visualizer for his new anthem titled “Black Stars,” which quickly gained significant views on YouTube.
Other musicians contributing to this effort include Grace Ashly, who released a motivational anthem and “jama” song, and MC KIKI, with his World Cup song titled “Blackstars (Pride of Africa).” Additionally, Chief Charles & Friends, including His Royal Grey Chief Charles and Dr. G’Love Gemann, along with other US-based Ghanaian musicians, released a support anthem named “BLACKSTARS G’MAJOR.”
Squad preparation and team dynamics
The Ghana Black Stars have been drawn into Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The team aims to advance beyond the group stage, a feat not achieved since their performance in the 2010 World Cup. The final 26-man squad, captained by Jordan Ayew, includes key players such as Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, and Inaki Williams, who are expected to play crucial roles in Ghana’s ambitions.
The squad selection followed a pre-World Cup training camp in Cardiff, Wales. Notable omissions from the final list include Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Paul Reverson and Accra Hearts of Oak shot-stopper Solomon Agbasi, both of whom were part of the provisional 28-man squad. Former captain Andre Ayew and forward Mohammed Kudus will also not be part of Ghana’s squad for the tournament, which is set to begin on June 11, 2026.
With a balanced squad featuring both seasoned internationals and younger talents, the Black Stars hope to make a significant impact on the international stage and improve upon their recent World Cup performances.
Expert cautions on player reliance
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has advised against building the national team solely around forward Antoine Semenyo. He warned that an over-reliance on a single player could be detrimental, especially if that player were to face injury. Semenyo has been a central figure in Ghana’s attacking plans, particularly with concerns about the fitness of Mohammed Kudus.
Agyemang Badu, who represented Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, emphasized that while Semenyo is a key asset, success at the highest level of football requires collective strength rather than individual brilliance. He stated that while Semenyo is an anchor of the team, he does not support the idea of building the entire team around one person, citing the risk of injury. Semenyo has scored three goals in 34 appearances for the Black Stars since his debut in 2022.
Badu also highlighted the importance of squad depth, particularly from the bench. He noted that successful tournament teams are often characterized by their depth and tactical flexibility. Despite his caution, Badu acknowledged Semenyo’s importance, describing him as the team’s “poster boy” due to his physicality, intelligence, and versatility. He further urged Ghanaians to manage expectations for the forward, suggesting that excessive pressure could hinder his performance. The World Cup begins on June 11, 2026.
Kwame Ofori
Evelyn Mensah
Yaw Appiah
Ama Serwah