The West Africans will make their fifth appearance at the global showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico, carrying renewed optimism after securing qualification under head coach Carlos Queiroz.

While Ghana's run to the quarter-finals in 2010 remains one of Africa's greatest World Cup achievements, Semenyo insists the current generation is focused on writing its own chapter in the nation's football history.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, the 26-year-old never had doubts about which country he wanted to represent despite suggestions that he should pursue international football with England.

"My mum and dad are Ghana through and through. They never really mentioned anything about England," Semenyo told FIFA, as reported by Africanfootball.com.

"Obviously, living in England, you get the conversation of: 'Oh, you should represent England'. But it was never a conversation I ever had, really."

The striker recalled how World Cup tournaments united his family and strengthened his connection to Ghana long before he made his international debut against Madagascar in June 2022.

"I feel like watching Ghana play in the World Cup was so special. Mum, dad, uncles, aunties, cousins all turn up to one house, and we'll watch all the games together, celebrating, screaming, all the emotions. It's everything, it's so special."

Semenyo heads into the tournament in the best form of his career. After emerging through Bristol City's academy and establishing himself in the Premier League with Bournemouth, he earned a high-profile move to Manchester City in January and helped the club lift the FA Cup.

Having experienced the disappointment of Ghana's group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Semenyo believes the squad is capable of making a much bigger impact this time around.

"At that time, I was still at Bristol City, so it was so special. But I feel like now, I just want to prove, and we all want to prove, that we're a top nation. We're not just coming to the World Cup, we want to compete on all levels. We've got a lot of attacking talent and killer instincts," he added.

"I feel like we do want to write our own story. We've got such a good team and we just need to prove to the world that we can compete with everyone else."

Antoine Semenyo reveals Black Stars' mission ahead of 2026 World Cup