Ghana gained independence from the British Empire in 1957 – more than 70 years later, the national team will play England for the first time in a competitve fixture
England vs Ghana, one of today’s World Cup fixtures, is between two countries with a storied history together. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from the British Empire nearly 70 years ago.
In 1957, Ghana officially gained its independence. On March 6, 2026, the country celebrated its 69th anniversary. Now, nearly 70 years later, they will play England in the 2026 World Cup for the first time ever in a competitive fixture.
For many British citizens with Ghanaian roots, this game has been a long time coming. Many places around the capital will be screening the game with a large English backing, but there will also be places where the Ghanaian contingent is much louder and more supportive of the ‘Black Stars’ than the Three Lions.
Albert Boateng, 31, believes this match is something “he never thought he would witness.” He told MyLondon: “As a British-born citizen of Ghanaian descent, I will witness something I never thought possible: England and Ghana meeting in a competitive World Cup fixture. It’s a match many Ghanaians, both at home and in the diaspora, have been anticipating ever since Ghana gained independence in 1957.
“For much of my life, I felt equally connected to both England and Ghana. However, in recent years, political and social tensions surrounding immigration in the UK, coupled with the treatment and criticism that Black England players have often faced when the team falls short of expectations, have made me reflect deeply on my own identity and sense of belonging; I have found myself drawing closer to my Ghanaian roots and developing an even stronger connection.
“This doesn’t diminish my appreciation of England but rather highlights the complexity of growing up between two cultures. England is the country that raised me; Ghana is the country that shaped my heritage, values and family identity. I know there will be mixed emotions [when the team plays], but supporting the Black Stars feels like a celebration of my roots, my community, and a story that stretches far beyond football.”
Ghana’s team will boast the likes of London-born Antoine Semenyo. In 2010, the African side made a historic run to the quarter-finals before losing on penalties to Uruguay after Asamoah Gyan missed a penalty in the last minute of extra time.
Badu Cafe in Hackney Wick will be a place where those supporting Ghana will gather to watch. They will host a watch-along highlighting stories from their work in Ghana through their NGO, Badu Global. Founder of Badu, Nana, is eagerly looking forward to the game, showcasing all the impactful work they’ve been doing.
He told MyLondon: “I want Ghana to draw or win, end of. England will be fine in other games, and I’ll support England against anybody else they play, but when it’s Ghana, it’s Ghana all the way. I was born there. This is a big deal for Ghanaian fans, and it always brings people together.
“As an organisation, we will be bringing the traditional feeling of being together, eating, and being merry. We’ve got the young girls we work with in Ghana who will be watching the game from their small villages, so everyone is excited. I just don’t want us to embarrass ourselves, mainly.
“I’m not confident about the game because England are strong, but we will give it a good go. Our squad used to be more of a collective and more unified, and now feels a lot more like individuals. Before, the squad was built on togetherness, but now it feels as if individuals want to shine. Our unity used to be our strength, and if we do that today, we will do well, but if not, we will be in trouble.”
At their cafe on Hackney Bridge, they will have Ghanaian food, Ghanaian games and some letters and information about the work they’re doing in Ghana. Even the food that they sell today will help fund the school fees for girls in Ghana. The game will then be screened on a big screen at Here East, Canalside.
While many will gather in pubs or at watch parties to witness this historic game, for Albert, there’s only one place he thought was right to watch it.
“I initially planned to watch the game with a group of friends, but the more I thought about the significance of the occasion, the more I felt I should watch with my family, especially my dad. My parents immigrated to the UK in the early 1980s, so this furniture feels particularly meaningful. Sharing that experience with my dad and other family members feels like the most fitting way to mark the occasion.”
England takes on Ghana today (June 23) from 9:30pm. England won its first game 4-2 against Croatia, while Ghana beat Panama 1-0.
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