Ghana: Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has urged Ghanaians to remain optimistic and continue supporting the Black Stars as they prepare to open their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ati-Zigi, who plies his trade with Swiss side St. Gallen, said the squad was focused and ready as it wrapped up training at the D.C. United training ground in Virginia ahead of Wednesday's Group opener against Panama. The shot-stopper, who is set to feature at his second successive World Cup, said that the team intended to approach the tournament one match at a time.
"We're just going to take it game by game. Hopefully, we analyse it and see how it goes. We know it hasn't been easy in the past days, but we're just going to give our all," he told the Ghana Football Association website. Ati-Zigi also called on Ghanaians to remain supportive and optimistic as the team seeks to make a strong impression on the global stage.
"We're asking for their support and their prayers, like always. They should also stay positive. Hopefully, we're going to make them proud," he added. Ati-Zigi highlighted unity and collective effort as the team's greatest strength, stressing that success would depend on players working for each other rather than individual performances.
"The strength is fighting for each other and being there as a team," he said. "Playing as a team and not just as individuals. You can see everyone is fighting for each other. We support each other and help each other by encouraging the young ones to keep going and always give their best."
He acknowledged the challenges the team had faced in recent times but noted that the World Cup presents a crucial opportunity for redemption. "These are moments that happen in football where you have bad moments and sometimes you don't qualify. For us, the biggest moment is now," he said.
Ati-Zigi also praised head coach Carlos Queiroz, describing him as highly experienced and knowledgeable, with the team expected to benefit from his guidance. "He's a very experienced coach. He has a lot of information. We just have to take the good information he gives us and try to make use of it," he said.
"The expectation is teamwork. We're going to fight to the end. We're going to give it all and we hope that we'll make Ghanaians proud." Ghana would open their campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as they aim to make a strong start in their bid to progress from the group stage.