World Cup 2026: Ghana's preparations not ideal -  Nii Lante Vanderpuye 

Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has raised concerns about Ghana’s chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, casting a shadow over the Black Stars’ preparations ahead of their opening Group stage fixture against Panama in Canada on Wednesday, June 17.

His remarks come at a time when scrutiny is mounting over the team’s readiness for the tournament.

Ghana’s build-up has been far from ideal, with the Ghana Black Stars managing just a single friendly under new head coach Carlos Queiroz since his March appointment.

Concerns have also intensified over the potential absence of deputy captain Thomas Partey, who is expected to miss the Panama clash after being denied entry visas by Canada, further complicating selection plans.

“I’m not 100% confident in our team; I’m not. I am a Ghanaian…but I’m confident in them,” he told Citi FM.

“The confidence I had in the team that went to the 2006 World Cup, 2010 and even the 2014 World Cup is not the same as now due to the fact that this team has not been a consistent team.”

“There’s been too many mix-ups in this team and, worst of all, look at the change in timing in the technical department…and unfortunately, we are looking at a team that is training under this coach for just about a month,” he said.