Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante says Ghana’s players are carrying the hopes of millions into the 2026 FIFA World Cup and that these hopes must be translated into success by the team.
The Black Stars are currently preparing in Wales ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against the Welsh national team.
The Coventry City forward, who enjoyed a remarkable campaign in England by scoring 12 goals to help his club secure promotion back to the Premier League after more than two decades outside the top flight, is now on the verge of another career milestone; representing Ghana at his first FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after the Black Stars’ third training session at Dragon Park in Cardiff, Thomas-Asante revealed the emotional significance of making the squad for the friendly game, insisting the team is determined to avoid simply “making up the numbers” at the tournament. “It’s always the biggest privilege,” he said. “Since I was young, when I was going to the games, to pray and to believe and to dream of achieving it one day. And now, to be here is incredible.”
The striker acknowledged the physical demands of transitioning from a gruelling club season straight into international duty but maintained that the squad is fully focused on preparing for a successful campaign under new head coach Carlos Queiroz.
“We definitely want to prepare in the right way to go and be successful. We don’t just want to go there and turn up for no reason. We want to be successful, so we’re preparing for that.”
Brandon Thomas-Asante, Black Stars forward
Childhood Dream Becoming a Reality
For Thomas-Asante, the call-up represents the fulfilment of a personal ambition that has driven him throughout the season.
The 27-year-old disclosed that he had written down his World Cup dream before kicking a ball for Coventry City this season. “From the start of the season before I kicked the ball, I wrote down on a piece of paper that I wanted to be here.”
The former West Bromwich Albion forward admitted it took time for the reality of being in Ghana’s World Cup camp to sink in. “To play in the World Cup or to be able to prepare for the World Cup is something, like I say, from a child, it’s what I’ve been praying for,” he added. “To be in this camp is incredible.”
Thomas-Asante’s rise mirrors Coventry City’s resurgence under Frank Lampard, with the striker playing a decisive role in their long-awaited return to the English top flight.
His performances earned him a place in Ghana’s squad as the Black Stars prepare for their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Black Stars Chasing Redemption
Ghana heads into the World Cup seeking redemption after disappointing campaigns in their previous two appearances, where the Black Stars exited at the group stage and finished bottom of their groups on both occasions in Brazil in 2014 in Qatar four years ago.
Under experienced coach Carlos Queiroz, however, there is renewed belief that the four-time African champions can challenge strongly once again on the global stage.
Thomas-Asante praised the Portuguese tactician for quickly imposing his ideas on the squad and creating an atmosphere where players are eager to learn. “He’s a very good guy,” he said. “All of us are listening to how he wants us to play and understanding his ideas. It’s been a blessing.”
The forward also highlighted Queiroz’s extensive experience at elite level as a major advantage for Ghana heading into the tournament. “As a player in your career, you always have to listen to every coach and take the things you can learn,” he added. “He has incredible experiences in some huge clubs and some really good nations, so I know there’s a lot to learn.”
Ghana will use Tuesday’s friendly against Wales as part of their final preparations before travelling for the World Cup, with memories of the country’s historic 2010 campaign in South Africa still serving as inspiration.
The Black Stars came within touching distance of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final before suffering heartbreak against Uruguay in the quarter-finals, a feat Morocco has now achieved when they reached the last four in Qatar in 2022.
Thomas-Asante believes the current squad understands the weight of expectation from supporters back home and insists the players are determined to make the nation proud.
“We hear the support and we appreciate it. We understand how big an opportunity it is and what it means. We’re proud to be here, happy to work for you guys and we want to make you proud.”
Brandon Thomas-Asante
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