As the world gears up for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup—the first expanded to 48 teams and co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—the anticipation is palpable.
Today marks a pivotal moment: the final draw ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where the fate of nations will be sealed into 12 groups of four.
Among the buzz, one voice stands out from the American side—former U.S. men's national team (USMNT) legend Alexi Lalas, who has boldly called for Ghana to land in the hosts' group.
Lalas, a towering figure in American soccer history, didn't mince words during a recent Fox Sports World Cup preview special.
"This isn’t a great Ghana team… Give me Ghana," he declared, acknowledging the Black Stars' current form while emphasizing the electric rivalry that has defined their encounters.
His sentiment was echoed by fellow USMNT icons Landon Donovan, Stu Holden, and Cobi Jones, who collectively painted Ghana as the ultimate "nightmare" opponent from Pot 4 in a hypothetical worst-case scenario for the Americans.
For Lalas, a defender who earned 96 caps for the U.S. between 1991 and 1998—scoring nine goals and becoming a household name with his distinctive mustache and unyielding passion—this isn't just punditry. It's personal.
The 55-year-old, now a prominent analyst for Fox Sports, has long been a bridge between the pitch and the broadcast booth, offering candid takes that blend nostalgia with sharp analysis.
His career highlights include captaining the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup on home soil and starring in Major League Soccer's inaugural seasons with the MetroStars and LA Galaxy.
Off the field, Lalas has hosted podcasts like State of the Union and even dabbled in music, releasing a rock album in 1994. But today, his focus is laser-sharp on redemption.
A Rivalry Forged in Heartbreak and Heroics
The U.S.-Ghana matchup is no ordinary fixture; it's a chapter in soccer's book of grudges. The two nations have clashed three times at World Cups, with Ghana holding a 2-1 edge that still stings American fans.
- 2006, Group Stage (Cologne, Germany): Ghana struck first in their debut meeting, edging the U.S. 2-1 behind goals from Haminu Draman and Razak Pimpong. It was a rude awakening for the Americans in their return to the tournament after an eight-year absence.
- 2010, Round of 16 (Rustenburg, South Africa): The most infamous. With the U.S. leading 1-0 in extra time, Asamoah Gyan stepped up for a penalty in the 120th minute. His shot clattered off the crossbar, but Ghana's dominance was undeniable. In the dying seconds, Jonathan Mensah headed home for a 2-1 victory, sending a shell-shocked Donovan and crew packing. "2010 still hurts," Donovan admitted recently, fueling his desire for a rematch.
- 2014, Group Stage (Natal, Brazil): Finally, U.S. vindication. Clint Dempsey's early strike and John Brooks' 86th-minute header secured a 2-1 win, with Ghana's André Ayew pulling one back. It propelled the Americans to the knockout stage, though they fell to Belgium next.
These battles have created a narrative of "what ifs" for U.S. supporters, and Lalas sees value in confronting history head-on.
"This isn’t a great Ghana team, but it is still Ghana.
They have plenty of history when it comes to playing against us," he elaborated.
With Ghana ranked 72nd in FIFA's standings and boasting a qualifying record of 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss—led by Jordan Ayew's seven goals—Lalas views them as a winnable but psychologically charged foe.
Why It Matters for 2026
For the U.S., co-hosting offers a golden opportunity to build on their 2022 round-of-16 finish. Under new coach Gregg Berhalter (or his successor), stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and emerging phenoms like Yunus Musah will carry the flag.
A Ghana matchup? It could be the emotional centerpiece of their group stage, drawing massive U.S. audiences and testing their mettle.
Ghana, meanwhile, craves a deep run to inspire a soccer-mad nation. As Lalas noted, history favors the unpredictable.
Whether this draw delivers the showdown remains to be seen—but if it does, expect fireworks. In soccer, as Lalas knows all too well, the past isn't buried; it's motivation.
Stay tuned to the draw today. The groups are set, but the stories? They're just beginning.
