Antoine Semenyo has said that Ghana's run to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup can serve as inspiration for the current generation of players as they look to qualify for the 2026 tournament. The Bournemouth striker was speaking ahead of Ghana's upcoming qualifiers.
Semenyo highlights 2010 achievement
Ghana's 2010 team, which included stars like Asamoah Gyan and Michael Essien, became the third African side to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, losing to Uruguay on penalties after a dramatic match. Semenyo, 25, was just nine years old at the time but remembers the excitement the run generated.
“I remember watching the 2010 World Cup as a kid and seeing Ghana do so well,” Semenyo said. “It inspired me and many others. That team showed what is possible. We want to create our own memories and make the country proud again.”
Current squad aiming for 2026
Ghana failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a group-stage exit, but Semenyo believes the current squad has the talent to reach the next tournament. The Black Stars are currently second in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“We have a young, hungry squad with players playing at top clubs in Europe,” Semenyo added. “The 2010 team set a standard, and we want to match or even surpass that. It's up to us to write our own story.”
Ghana's World Cup history
Ghana have qualified for three World Cups: 2006, 2010, and 2014. Their best performance came in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals. The team also reached the round of 16 in 2006 and the group stage in 2014. The 2026 tournament will feature an expanded 48-team format, giving African nations more opportunities to qualify.
