Ghana makes a 5th appearance on the global stage at the upcoming Mundial, with the Black Stars handed a tricky group against 1966 champions England, 2018 runners-up Croatia and CONCACAF's Panama, who are making just their second participation at this level.

Waris, who played for Ghana at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, is admonishing the current crop of national team stars to pursue collective glory before individual pursuits if the Black Stars are to shine in North America next June.

"Football has changed a lot. At first, it was about individual skills, but now it's more about the team's skills," Waris told the Graphic Sports during a media interaction at the Accra Sports Stadium at the weekend.

"Football is all about preparation, getting ready for what is ahead of you and you can win any game. So I think we have to prepare mentally, physically and spiritually because this is the biggest competition in the world and everybody is going to be watching them," he espoused.

"They must know that they are not going just to play a football match, they are going to represent the whole of Ghana and everybody will be cheering them on," he warned.

The former Hacken, Sparta Moscow, Strasbourg and Porto forward has been clubless since leaving Porto B at the end of the 2023/24 season, but remains adamant about his retirement plans, insisting he is just taking a break to enjoy some time with family and friends.

The 34-year-old was among former national team players who joined the National Sports Authority last Friday to accompany the visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa at the US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs, Will Stevens, and his entourage on a tour of the Accra Sports Stadium, including how they prepare for matches in the dressing rooms, among other activities. 

The Right to Dream Academy graduate states that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"For me, it's great to have all these senior players around and also witnessing this great friendship with the American Embassy; it's all about the progress of Ghana football," Waris noted.

"This initiative is something that will boost our football and boost our relationship with the Americans.

The relationship is good, they were really excited and they are willing to grant more visas for Ghanaians to go to America to experience the World Cup which I think is very good because that is the highest platform in football," he stated.