We Want To Make Ghana Proud – Thomas-Asante Eyes Big World Cup Impact
Brandon Thomas-Asante has declared that Ghana’s players are determined to make a meaningful impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as preparations intensify ahead of the Black Stars’ friendly clash against Wales in Cardiff.
The Coventry City striker, fresh from helping his club secure promotion to the Premier League with 12 Championship goals, says the current Ghana squad is motivated by more than just participating at football’s biggest tournament.
Speaking after the team’s third training session at Dragon Park, Thomas-Asante stressed that the Black Stars are approaching the tournament with ambition and belief under head coach Carlos Queiroz.
We don’t just want to go there and turn up for no reason,” the forward said. “We want to be successful. So we’re preparing for that.”
Ghana will head to the World Cup hoping to erase the memories of disappointing group-stage exits in their last two appearances.
The four-time African champions finished bottom of their groups at both Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, a sharp contrast to their historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa 2010.
With Queiroz now in charge, there is growing optimism that the Black Stars can rediscover the competitive edge that once made them one of Africa’s most feared sides on the international stage.
Queiroz Influence Already Felt
Thomas-Asante revealed that the players are already adapting to the ideas and demands of the vastly experienced Portuguese coach.
“He’s a very good guy,” he explained. “All of us are listening to how he wants us to play and understanding his ideas.”
The 27-year-old also pointed to Queiroz’s experience at elite clubs and with national teams as a major asset for Ghana heading into the competition.
“As a player in your career, you always have to listen to every coach and take the things you can learn. This is another opportunity and he has incredible experiences in some huge clubs and some really good nations.”
Ghana’s friendly against Wales on Tuesday is expected to provide an important test as the technical team fine-tunes preparations before the World Cup begins in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While several players are arriving in camp after long and demanding club campaigns, Thomas-Asante insists the squad is mentally focused despite the physical toll of the season.
It’s tiring after the season and we’re getting our bodies prepared for another push,” he admitted. “But every day we’re more and more prepared and I’m happy to be here.”
From Written Dream To World Cup Reality
For Thomas-Asante, this moment carries deep personal meaning.
The forward disclosed that before the season began, he had already set his sights on making Ghana’s World Cup squad. After months of hard work and a successful campaign with Coventry City, that dream has now become reality.
From the start of the season before I kicked the ball, I wrote down on a piece of paper that I wanted to be here,” he revealed.
Thomas-Asante admitted that receiving the opportunity to represent Ghana on the world stage has been emotional and difficult to fully process.
To play in the World Cup or prepare for the World Cup is something from a child that I’ve been praying for,” he said. When it comes now, it takes a while to really realise that to be in this camp is incredible.”
The striker also acknowledged the enormous expectations surrounding the national team, particularly from supporters in Ghana and across the world.
I know there’s a lot of people in Ghana and around the world wishing us well. We want to go and do them proud.”
Thomas-Asante believes the players fully understand the significance of the tournament and the responsibility that comes with wearing the Black Stars jersey.
We hear the support and we appreciate it. We understand how big an opportunity it is and what it means.”
As Ghana continues preparations in Cardiff, the former West Bromwich Albion attacker appears determined to ensure his first World Cup experience becomes more than just a personal milestone.
