The Ghana Black Stars are set to play their World Cup opener on June 17th against Panama on Tuesday, June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.

After the team’s inconsistencies in their warm-up games, many speculated a possible nervousness on the part of their part; however, one of the team’s goalkeepers, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, has ruled it out, expressing that they are ready and poised for the game.“Nervous? I don’t think that’s the word because I feel there’s good team spirit. This shows that everyone is ready and everyone is looking forward to it,” the St. Gallen goalkeeper said, according to the Ghana FA Media.

Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has dismissed suggestions that the team are feeling nervous ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, insisting the squad is united and fully focused on the task ahead.

The squad this time around seeks to improve on disappointing group-stage exits in both Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022.

Ati-Zigi, who is set for his second World Cup appearance, said the atmosphere in camp has been positive and players are embracing the occasion rather than succumbing to pressure.

“As I said, it’s a dream to be here, so everyone is ready to live it,” he added.

After facing Panama, the four-time African champions will meet England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their group stage campaign against Croatia on June 27.

FIFA designated Bryant University in Boston as Ghana’s official training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition.

However, after just two training sessions at the facility, the team expressed concerns about safety and security following visits by the public.

Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, indicated that public access to the facility compromises the team’s privacy and security as Ghana fine-tunes its preparations for the global showpiece.

Consequently, the Black Stars technical team, including John Painstil, protocol officer Alex Asante, and assistant coach Desmond Ofei, were instructed to find a new facility for the Black Stars.

After reviewing available options, the Black Stars have now moved their training to a facility in Virginia.

While the team has found a more convenient space that suits their preference, the Ghana Football Authority (GFA) says the new arrangement comes at an extra cost.

The entire Ghana delegation, including players and officials, has already settled into the new training camp as the team continues preparations for its World Cup campaign.

The Black Stars are expected to maintain an intensive training schedule ahead of their Group L opener against Panama on June 17.

Ghana was anticipating another friendly ahead of their World Cup opener against Panama on June 17; however, following unsuccessful negotiations with the targeted teams, including Jamaica and Honduras, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that there will be no additional friendly matches for the Black Stars.

Speaking during a media interview, the GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, said his outfit has not scheduled an alternative game following the failed negotiations with the two teams.

“At this point, it is a big no [to playing another friendly game]. We don’t have any game on paper at this point. It doesn’t look likely, but I am not in the position to rule out anything yet.”

He explained that any late decision would depend on the technical team’s assessment of the squad’s needs, but indicated that only a low- or mid-intensity match would be considered at this stage.

“If it is that we wake up tomorrow and he wants to play, maybe a mid- to low-intensity game, I don’t think he will accept a high-intensity game at this point. But if it is that we wake up tomorrow and he wants to play a mid- to low-intensity game, we will make it public. At this point, there is nothing of the sort on paper,” he said.

However, he noted that decisions regarding friendly matches and other aspects of the squad’s preparations will be made jointly by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and head coach Carlos Queiroz, with both parties aligned on the final approach to the tournament build-up.

“If the coach wants a game, we arrange. If he doesn’t need a game, we move. We told him about a second game before we played against Wales. We were all looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, and collectively we have decided to move on. So it’s not about only the coach or the FA. We work hand in hand to ensure that the best possible arrangements are made for the team.”

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama as they chase a first World Cup knockout-stage qualification since the 2010 tournament.