Black Stars defender, Gideon Mensah, believes Ghana should not be afraid to dream big ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team can target a place in the final if they continue progressing step by step.

Mensah, who is expected to play a key role for Ghana at the tournament in North America, said the immediate objective is to improve on the country’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking during Ghana’s training camp in Cardiff ahead of the friendly against Wales, the defender admitted that the Black Stars must first focus on getting beyond the opening stage before thinking about bigger ambitions.

“We are hoping that we do better than our last World Cup, which is to go out of the group stage, and then we take it from there,” he said.

Watch Black Stars’ first training session ahead of Wales friendly

However, the defender believes there is nothing wrong with aiming for the highest possible achievement.

“We can aim to go to the final and win the World Cup, but we need to start from somewhere,” Mensah added.

The 27-year-old is among the experienced members of Ghana’s current squad and says the team is building a strong blend of senior players and younger talents ahead of the tournament.

Having spent close to eight years with the national team, Mensah now sees himself as one of the leaders responsible for guiding the next generation of Black Stars players.

Ghana are currently in Wales preparing for their June 2 international friendly before heading into the final stages of preparations for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Watch the interview below:

🎥 🇬🇭 “Going to my second World Cup and being with the national team for eight years feels so good. I feel I have a responsibility to the new boys.”

Gideon Mensah reflects on his journey with the Black Stars.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/bSt113ohHN

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) May 27, 2026