Assistant coach of the Black Stars, John Paintsil, believes Ghana now has the experience and maturity to challenge the world’s best at the FIFA World Cup 2026, declaring that the team should be aiming for a place among the tournament’s final four, or even better.

With qualification secured, optimism has surged among supporters, especially after the disappointment of missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in more than two decades.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup, Paintsil told 3Sports, offers Ghana the perfect opportunity to reassert itself on the global stage.

Reflecting on past appearances, the former Black Stars defender pointed to lessons learned from earlier campaigns, including group-stage exits at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He noted that those experiences, combined with Ghana’s historic round-of-16 finish in 2006 and quarter-final run in 2010, have built a stronger and wiser squad.

"When it comes to the World Cup, Ghana is now experienced. We have been to the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010," Paintsil said.

He went further, expressing bold ambitions for the tournament.

"We have enough experience to be in the semi-finals or final of the 2026 World Cup," he declared.

"Coming into this World Cup, the expectation is very high. I can't wait to see how things will go on our side."

The former Fulham FC and West Ham United defender, who represented Ghana at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, stressed that preparation and player fitness will be decisive.

"Like I keep saying, I want all our players to be fit, so they'll be ready for the call-up," he said. 

Drawn in Group L, Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on the England on June 23 and closing the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

Ahead of the tournament, the Black Stars will reconvene for international friendlies against Austria, Germany, and Mexico as the technical team sharpens tactics and evaluates squad depth.

For Paintsil, the message is clear: Ghana should not just participate, they should contend.