Former Oxford City Forward Set to Face England at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Former Oxford City striker Brandon Thomas-Asante is set to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being named in Ghana’s squad for the global tournament, where he could come up against England in the group stage.

England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, will compete in Group L of the expanded 48-team competition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Three Lions are scheduled to face Panama, Croatia and Ghana as they begin their quest for World Cup glory.

Among Ghana’s selected players is Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante, a familiar name to Oxford City supporters following his spell with the club in 2019.

Thomas-Asante spent six months on loan at Oxford City after arriving from MK Dons in January 2019. During his time with the National League South side, he made 15 appearances and scored three goals as the club finished 12th in the division.

Since then, the 27-year-old has enjoyed an impressive rise through the English football pyramid. He has represented Ebbsfleet United, Salford City and West Bromwich Albion before joining Coventry City in 2024.

The striker played an important role in Coventry’s successful Championship campaign last season, helping the Sky Blues secure promotion to the Premier League after finishing top of the table, 11 points clear of second-placed Ipswich Town.

Coventry also faced Oxford United twice during the league season, with both encounters ending in draws. The first meeting produced a 2-2 stalemate at the Kassam Stadium in August, while the return fixture at the Coventry Building Society Arena ended goalless in February.

On the international stage, Thomas-Asante has earned five senior caps for Ghana and has scored once for the Black Stars. His goal came during a 2-1 Unity Cup defeat to Nigeria at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in May 2025.

Now preparing for his first FIFA World Cup appearance, Thomas-Asante will have the opportunity to represent Ghana on football’s biggest stage and could find himself facing England in one of the standout fixtures of the group phase.