After missing out on qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 2006, Ghana has made it to every tournament since, and this time they advanced on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate result against Nigeria.

Ghana has only managed to make it past the group stages two times in their three previous appearances; their best performance came in an infamous quarterfinal match against Uruguay, in which Asamoah Gyan missed a penalty kick after Suarez managed intentionally on the line, and Uruguay went on to win the tournament on penalties.

They had a terrible showing at the African Cup of Nations earlier this year, earning only one point and finishing last in their group below the likes of Gabon and Comoros.