The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a significant expansion, growing from 32 to 48 teams. This new format will feature 12 groups of four, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 across 16 venues in North America. The tournament is set to kick off on June 11 and conclude with the grand final on July 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will also host the first-ever World Cup halftime show. The United States will stage 78 games, including all matches from the quarterfinals onward, while Mexico and Canada will each host 13 games. The expanded format introduces a new round of 32, with group winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams advancing. The eventual champions will play eight matches.

Ghana's Black Stars have been drawn into a fiercely competitive Group D, where they will face formidable opponents: 1966 World Champions England, 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, and CONCACAF side Panama. Their World Cup campaign will commence against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, in Dallas, USA. Subsequent group matches will see Ghana challenging England and then Croatia.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, whose team secured bronze at the last World Cup and has a strong track record of second and third-place finishes, described England as one of the "toughest opponents" from the first pot. He noted the challenge of facing England in the opening match, which he deemed crucial for setting the tone. However, Dalic expressed optimism regarding Croatia's chances against Ghana and Panama, stating, "Panama and Ghana are opponents we can play against and achieve a good result. We will scout them well." He also highlighted Croatia's impressive World Cup record against African teams, having never lost in four previous encounters (three wins, one draw).

Ghana's coach Otto Addo expressed confidence in the Black Stars' ability to win against each of their group stage opponents. Reacting to the draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, he affirmed a match-by-match approach, stating, "We want to win every match, that is for sure." Addo acknowledged the potential for both victory and defeat against any team, including Panama, emphasizing that "on a good day, I know we can beat anyone." Ghana's legendary striker Asamoah Gyan, a special guest at the draw ceremony in Miami, also radiated optimism. Beaming with excitement, Gyan, the highest-scoring African player in World Cup history with 6 goals, relished the anticipated clash with England, acknowledging the group's "tricky" nature but expressing confidence that "everybody back home wants Ghana to qualify. We will do our best to qualify for the next stage."

England, ranked among the top five globally, presents a significant hurdle, with Ghana's only senior encounter against them ending in a 1-1 friendly draw in 2011. Croatia, known for tactical discipline and veteran leadership, consistently defies expectations, reaching the 2018 final and 2022 semi-finals. Panama, though perceived as the 'easier' opponent, is a physical and determined CONCACAF side, adding unpredictability. This marks Ghana's fifth appearance at the World Cup finals, following campaigns in 2006, 2010 (where they reached the quarter-finals), 2014, and 2022. Despite successive group stage exits in their last two appearances since 2010, the Black Stars are now focused on meticulous preparation, aiming to navigate the challenging group and potentially surpass their historic 2010 performance.