Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has issued a defiant World Cup warning to the Black Stars’ Group L rivals,  insisting they are ready to torment defences and “cause nightmares” in the USA, Mexico and Canada, while admitting the team’s hopes could be rocked by the worrying injury struggles of talisman Mohammed Kudus, who has been ruled out of the global tournament. 

At 26, Semenyo arrives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup a very different player from the fringe figure who made two substitute appearances in Qatar 2022 while still plying his trade in the English Championship.

 Now operating at elite level and expected to lead Ghana’s frontline, the former Bournemouth attacker insists he is ready to deliver on the biggest stage.

Four years on, Semenyo’s message is clear. Ghana are no longer just participants and are coming to compete in North America.

“I don’t feel like a natural winger. Naturally, I feel like an inside forward… I just like to cause defenders nightmares,” Semenyo said on the All Out Football podcast, offering a glimpse into the mindset he plans to unleash against Panama, England and Croatia.

Ghana’s Group L campaign — featuring heavyweight clashes against England, Croatia and Panama — will test that ambition immediately, but Semenyo believes the Black Stars now possess the experience and maturity to compete.

“It’s going to be tough, but I’m looking forward to it,” he said, casting an eye on the June 23 showdown with England in Boston.

Yet for all the confidence, Semenyo is under no illusions about the pressure that comes with wearing the Ghana shirt, especially given his modest return of three goals in 34 appearances in the Black stars shirt, a statistic that has drawn criticism from fans back home.

The forward admits his struggles to translate club form onto the international stage, a reality he acknowledges comes with the territory.

“In Ghana, the expectation is that every ball I touch has to end up in the net. If it’s not, you’re crap. That’s how they are; football is everything,” he admitted.

The forward, now operating at elite level alongside Norwegian striker Erling Haaland at Manchester City, believes exposure to top-tier football has sharpened his instincts, particularly his movement and finishing in the box.

“He’s amazing… a top goalscorer. I learn a lot from him — movement, finishing — I’m adding it to my game,” he said of the Norwegian striker, whose presence demands the attention of “two or three defenders at once”.

For Semenyo, the mission is personal — turn promise into production and justify his growing status as a central figure in the Black Stars’ World Cup push.

Still, he insists his breakthrough is coming, and that Ghana’s attack will soon begin to deliver on its promise. 

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be tough, especially against England, but we have a lot of experience,” he added, ahead of the high-profile clash in Boston on June 23.

Kudus fitness fear

However, beneath the bravado lies a growing concern over the fitness of Kudus, Ghana’s most influential attacking player.

The Tottenham Hotspur star, who lit up Qatar 2022 with two goals, including a historic double in Ghana’s 3-2 group win against South Korea, is battling a recurring quad injury after suffering a setback in his recovery.

“It’s frustrating because he’s a pivotal factor for us… we just have to see how it goes,” Semenyo said, reflecting the uncertainty within the camp.

The concern is amplified by the confirmed absence of defensive leader Mohammed Salisu, sidelined by an ACL injury, leaving head coach Carlos Queiroz with limited room for error as he finalises his squad.

For Semenyo, the World Cup represents both opportunity and scrutiny; it is a stage to silence critics and justify his growing status within the team.