'The whole community is sweating': Ghanaians say Black Stars opener will be a party

Ghanaian Australians are preparing to summon some serious vibes to spur on Ghana's Black Stars to "shock the world".

Ghanaian football fans are eagerly awaiting their country's first fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Source: Supplied

IN BRIEF

• Some members of the Ghanaian diaspora are excited about the country's prospects in this year's World Cup.
• Ghana will face Panama in the side's first match of the tournament, which kicks off at 9am AEST Thursday.

Yaw Derkyi, organising secretary of the Ghana Association of NSW, says all of Australia is invited to come watch Ghana's first World Cup match with his community, but they better "prepare for drumming and singing".

"You have to prepare yourself. We're gonna chant, like a call and response … it's a spirit chant; it gives the vibes, it moves the whole," Derkyi told SBS News of how Ghanaians in Sydney plan to mark their side's match against Panama, kicking off at 9am AEST tomorrow.

Derkyi is confident about the side's prospects at the tournament.

"This year we are coming in full attack, this year we are here to shock the world, the whole world," he said.

"We are taking the cup home to make coffee, tea, Milo, everything in that cup. Because soccer is our food, man."

Beneath the confidence, the community is somewhat on edge about the team's upcoming World Cup matches — although that might just be the excitement.

"Oh man, the whole community is sweating at the moment. I know the weather is cold, but we are sweating," he said.

Ghana's Black Stars sit 73rd in the FIFA rankings after a stretch of poor showings which included their failure to qualify for last year's Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the side topped their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group.

Australian Ghanaians have form when it comes to turning up to support local players from the diaspora. Source: Supplied

The four-time AFCON ⁠champions have recruited veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz to help turn the tide and guide the country to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.

In that year's tournament, Ghana bowed out in the quarter-finals after a penalty-shootout loss to Uruguay.

With the team's talisman, Mohammed Kudus, missing the 2026 World Cup due to injury, Ghana will count on Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo to lead a strong attack.

After signing with the club in January, the 26-year-old netted 11 goals across all competitions, including the winner against Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

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The team will also be short midfielder Thomas Partey, whose visa application to enter Canada was refused, leaving him unavailable for the Group L match at Toronto Stadium.

The 2026 World Cup has also seen the biggest expansion in the tournament's 96-year history, with 48 countries competing, up from 32 teams.

In addition to a more complex logistical juggle for host nations, it also means that a greater slice of Australia's diverse range of diaspora communities can get involved.

Derkyi said that, for those interested in joining the Ghanaian revelry tomorrow morning, ALEX&Co. Restaurant & Bar in Parramatta will be one place to join the fun.

He'll certainly be joining his community to watch the match.

"Of course, because I'm the one bringing over the drums and all the vibes."

With additional reporting by the Reuters news agency.

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