Black Stars ready for World Cup opener - Ati-Zigi

Ghana's Black Stars are fully prepared for their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama on June 16, according to goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. The team has been diligently preparing in Virginia, with Ati-Zigi expressing strong confidence in their collective readiness and focus for the crucial first group game.

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You can see all the guys are very ready and we’ve trained very well. We’ve given our best and we’re looking forward to this moment.

Ati-Zigi noted the exceptional unity within the squad, stating that all players are committed and have trained rigorously. He praised the experience and guidance of new coach Carlos Queiroz, whose impact has fostered positive vibes and a strong sense of 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," Ati-Zigi stated.

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He has a lot of information. We just have to take the good information he gives us and try to make use of it. 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.

Looking ahead to facing England and Croatia in subsequent group matches, Ati-Zigi stressed the importance of taking each game as it comes. He highlighted the team's developing winning mentality and spirit, crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. The goalkeeper described playing on the World Cup stage as a dream, cherishing the experience of competing against top players and feeling the immense support from fans.

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everyone dreams of playing on this big platform. For me, it’s actually a big dream because you get to face big players. You get the atmosphere, a lot of people in the stadium, the support, the love. It’s really a good experience for me and I’m really looking forward to it.

"Everyone dreams of playing on this big platform. For me, it’s actually a big dream because you get to face big players. You get the atmosphere, a lot of people in the stadium, the support, the love. It’s really a good experience for me and I’m really looking forward to it," he said. Ati-Zigi underscored that the team's strength lies in their mutual support and willingness to play as a cohesive unit, encouraging younger players and maintaining a positive outlook even during difficult moments.

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We support each other and we help each other by encouraging the young ones to keep going and to always give their best. 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.