Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo is optimistic about the Black Stars' chances ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The West African football heavyweights are paired in Group L alongside European giants England, 2018 finalists, Croatia and Panama at the global showpiece.

The Black Stars will open their World Cup account against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before taking on England on June 23 in Boston. Ghana will wrap up their group games against 2018 finalists, Croatia, in Philadelphia on June 27.

Semenyo, the most in-form Ghanaian player, has affirmed that the Black Stars can compete with the best at the tournament.

“We want to show people around the world that Ghana is one of the top nations and we can compete with the best,” Semenyo told CBS Sports.

Amid some light-hearted banter between Semenyo and his England-based counterparts, the Ghanaian attacker stated that they have what it takes to beat England.

“There’s been a bit of small talk [with English players], but as Ghanaians, we know it’s going to be a bit of a challenge,” he admitted.

“They are a star-studded team. They have so many top-class players, but we believe in ourselves,” he added.

The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded 48-team format, giving Africa a record nine automatic slots.