Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew believes the energy of Ghanaian supporters could prove decisive as the team looks to upset England in one of Group L’s most anticipated clashes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s second group match at Gillette Stadium, Ayew stressed that the passion of fans back home and across the diaspora can lift the team when it matters most. The captain emphasized that the players fully grasp what’s at stake and are determined to repay that support with a positive result.
“We know the importance of this game, and the support from our fans will motivate us to give everything on the pitch and go for the win,” Ayew said.
Having spent more than a decade plying his trade in the English Premier League, Ayew framed the fixture in deeply personal terms, describing England as familiar territory that adds extra significance to the occasion.
Despite the magnitude of the challenge, Ghana’s captain struck a confident yet measured tone about his side’s approach.
“We have two important games left. We take it game by game,” Ayew said. “We are focused on getting the three points in the next match, and after that we will think about the last game.”
He also didn’t shy away from acknowledging the gap in star power Ghana must overcome to get a result.
“It’s always difficult playing at the World Cup. There are no easy games, but we believe in ourselves, and we feel that anything is possible.”
A win — or even a draw — against England could be enough to secure Ghana’s spot in the knockout rounds, with coach Carlos Queiroz’s side chasing a return to the World Cup’s knockout stages for the first time since their famous quarter-final run in 2010.
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The encounter also carries historic weight: this will be the first-ever World Cup meeting between England and Ghana. The two nations have crossed paths only once before, in a March 2011 friendly at Wembley that finished 1-1.
With both sides level on three points after matchday one, the showdown at Gillette Stadium looks set to play an early, pivotal role in deciding Group L — and Ayew is counting on the Black Stars faithful to provide the edge his team needs.