Benjamin Asare accepts goalkeeper competition ahead of World Cup squad announcement

Benjamin Asare says he will fully support any decision made by head coach Carlos Queiroz regarding Ghana’s goalkeeping position at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting unity within the squad is more important than individual status.

The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper has emerged as Ghana’s first-choice shot-stopper in recent months, but his costly mistake in the early stages of the friendly defeat against Mexico has intensified competition within the squad.

Asare is currently battling for a place in the final World Cup squad alongside Lawrence Ati Zigi, Solomon Agbasi, Joseph Anang and Paul Reverson, with only three goalkeepers expected to make the final 26-man list.

Speaking ahead of Ghana’s final pre-World Cup friendly against Wales on June 2, Asare stressed that team spirit must remain the priority regardless of who starts between the posts.

“If the coach starts another goalkeeper, it doesn’t mean that because I’m the number one, I should be angry. We have to stay prayerful and united for collective success,” he said.

The goalkeeper also admitted that competition within the squad should motivate players to improve rather than create division.

“I want to achieve great things for myself, but that does not mean I have achieved it as a number one for the national team. I have to work more because we have more goalkeepers, but we need to maintain unity so that we can reach our goal as a strong team.”

Asare further explained that adapting to the tactical demands of the new technical team has been an important part of camp preparations.

“Every coach has their style and tactical play. As a player, you need to follow the instructions and put in your best every time to prove you are capable,” he added.

Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before taking on England and Croatia in the remaining Group L fixtures.