Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi has expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to deliver a strong performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the squad is united, motivated and determined to make the nation proud on football’s grandest stage.
The St. Gallen shot-stopper, who is set to feature at his second World Cup finals after making his tournament debut in Qatar four years ago, believes the current group possesses the spirit and togetherness required to compete against the world’s best teams.
Speaking ahead of Ghana’s campaign, Ati Zigi highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad and stressed the importance of collective effort over individual brilliance. “The expectation is just teamwork. We’re going to fight to the end. We’re going to give it all and we hope that we make Ghanaians proud,” he said.
Ghana secured qualification for the tournament after a successful qualifying campaign in which Ati Zigi featured in two matches.
The goalkeeper now hopes the team can turn qualification into a memorable World Cup journey as the competition gets underway, with the opening match scheduled to take place in Mexico on Thursday, June 11.
The 29-year-old also praised the influence of the coaching staff, describing the guidance provided by the technical team as a valuable asset as the Black Stars prepare for the challenge ahead.
Positive Spirit Driving Black Stars
Ati Zigi pointed to the strong bond among the players as one of Ghana’s greatest strengths heading into the tournament.
“I think it’s really a good team. We’re all together. We fight for each other. You can see that there are really positive vibes each and every time.”
Lawrence Ati Zigi
According to the goalkeeper, maintaining that atmosphere throughout the competition will be vital if Ghana are to achieve their ambitions. “We want to keep on with this. We want to take this positive energy into the games. We hope that we can make a very good World Cup.”
He added that the unity within the squad has helped eliminate any feelings of anxiety ahead of the tournament, with players fully focused on embracing the opportunity before them. “I think nervousness is not a word because I feel there is a good team spirit,” he added. “This shows that everyone is ready and everyone is looking forward. Like I said, it’s a dream so everyone is ready to live it.”
Determined to Learn From Qatar
Ati Zigi acknowledged Ghana’s disappointing campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but insisted the team has moved on from those setbacks and is concentrating solely on the task ahead.
The Black Stars exited the tournament at the group stage four years ago, a result that left many supporters frustrated. However, the goalkeeper believes dwelling on the past would serve no purpose.
“These are moments that happen in football where you have bad moments and you sometimes don’t qualify. For us, the biggest moment is now. We put everything that has happened behind us and we try to focus on this World Cup. Hopefully, we can make very good use of it.”
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Black Stars Goalkeeper
His comments reflect a growing determination within the squad to write a new chapter and ensure that previous disappointments do not define Ghana’s latest appearance at the global showpiece.
Dreaming Big on Football’s Biggest Stage
For Ati Zigi, participating in the World Cup remains the fulfilment of a childhood dream, one that continues to inspire him as he prepares for another appearance on the international stage. “As a kid, everyone dreams to play on this big platform,” the shot stopper revealed. “For me, it’s actually a big dream because you get to face big players. You get to have a nice atmosphere, a lot of people in the stadium, the support, the love.”
The goalkeeper also had a message for younger players, urging them to remain dedicated and mentally strong through both the highs and lows of football. “I think there has to be dedication for the game. They have to have a positive mindset because it gets to some points when it’s not going well. I think that’s when we need this mentality, the winning mentality and the winning spirit.”
As Ghana prepares to begin its World Cup endeavour, Ati Zigi has called on supporters to continue backing the team throughout the tournament as they seek to replicate and even better the performance of 2010 in South Africa. “We are just going to give our all. We ask for their support and prayers like always. They should also stay positive. Hopefully, we are going to make them proud.”
With confidence high within the camp and the players united behind a common goal, the Black Stars will be hoping to repay that faith when they take to the world stage once again.
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