John Paintsil, the Black Stars’ assistant coach, has hinted that there will be surprises when Ghana’s 2026 World Cup team is revealed.
This summer, the senior national team will represent the United States, Canada, and Mexico in a tournament.
Paintsil has indicated that both domestic and foreign players are being considered for selection, with the tournament’s final squad anticipated to be announced on June 1.
“For the Black Stars’ World Cup team, we are concentrating on both domestic and foreign players. There will be many surprises, but all Ghanaians who are eligible to play are welcome. Paintsil informed Asempa FM.
As part of their preparations, the team will regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany.
Ghana has been drawn into Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will kick off their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, face England in Boston, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Having exited at the group stage in their previous World Cup appearances in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, the Black Stars are determined to make a stronger showing on football’s biggest stage in 2026.
Black Stars to Face Austria in International Friendly on March 27 Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, will take on Austria in an international friendly on March 27, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match will be Ghana’s second fixture in the March international break, following an earlier scheduled friendly against Germany, making the window a crucial phase in the Black Stars’ World Cup build-up.
The friendly encounter forms part of Ghana’s broader preparations for the global showpiece, with head coach Otto Addo expected to use the match to assess his squad, test tactical options, and fine-tune team chemistry ahead of the tournament.
Facing European opposition such as Austria will provide the Black Stars with a valuable benchmark as they prepare for the World Cup. The game will also offer fringe players and new call-ups an opportunity to impress and stake a claim for a place in the final World Cup squad.
Further details regarding the venue and kick-off time are expected to be announced in due course.
With preparations intensifying, Ghana will be keen to maximize the March international window as they continue their push toward a strong showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghana Black Stars are aiming for at least a quarter-final finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum.
Speaking ahead of the expanded tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Asante Twum expressed confidence that Ghana can replicate — and possibly surpass — their historic 2010 World Cup quarter-final run in South Africa.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia in what promises to be a highly competitive group stage.
The Black Stars made their return to the World Cup at Qatar 2022 after missing the 2018 edition in Russia, but exited the tournament at the group stage. Despite that disappointment, Asante Twum believes the team has grown stronger and is better prepared for the challenges ahead in 2026.
“Our target for the World Cup is to qualify from the group stage and be competitive,” he said in an interview with Akoma FM. “We want to fight, we have the quality, and we believe we can match our quarter-final appearance — and possibly go even further.”
The GFA official also revealed that the Black Stars’ technical team has been strengthened following the Qatar 2022 World Cup. According to him, head coach Otto Addo has requested additional personnel, and the Football Association is currently working to finalize those arrangements.
“After the Qatar World Cup, we strengthened the technical team. The coach requested some new additions, and the FA is working on them,” Asante Twum explained. “However, the individuals involved are under contract with their respective employers, so it is difficult to disclose names at this time.”
He further disclosed that key logistical details ahead of the tournament will soon be made public. Information regarding the team’s camping base and preparations is expected in the first week of February, while the provisional squad will be announced in April. The final squad is scheduled to be confirmed by June 1.
Ghana will open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before taking on England in Boston. The Black Stars will conclude the group stage with a clash against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
With renewed optimism, technical reinforcements, and clear ambitions, the Black Stars are positioning themselves for a strong showing as they chase another memorable World Cup run on football’s biggest stage.
Renowned Ghanaian prophet Nigel Gaisie has prophesied that the Black Stars will reach the final of the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana, four-time African champions, will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
Speaking during the 31st Service at his Prophetic Hill Church, Gaisie confidently stated, “The Black Stars will reach the final of the 2026 World Cup.”
Ghana will kick off their group-stage campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston, and wrapping up against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
After early exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, the Black Stars will be eager to make a stronger impact in the expanded 48-team tournament.
As part of Black Stars’ preparations for the World Cup, they will face Germany in an international friendly game on March 30 in Stuttgart.
Otto Addo will reveal his final Black Stars team for the 2026 World Cup on June 1, according to Henry Asante Twum, Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
For the competition, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer, Ghana has been placed in Group I with Panama, England, and Croatia.
Asante Twum stated on Asempa FM that all eligible teams are required to reveal their provisional lineup on April 11 and that the tournament’s final squad must be revealed on June 1.
“All qualified teams, including the Black Stars of Ghana, are mandated by FIFA to announce their provisional squad on April 11, 2026. The final squads for the tournament must be announced before midnight on June 1, 2026.”
Asante Twum further said that every Ghanaian player who is playing and competing will have a chance to earn a call-up ahead of the tournament.
“Every Ghanaian player with a strong performance is closely monitored by the technical team, and regardless of where they play, they will be given a call-up.”
Ghana’s campaign will start on June 17 in Toronto against Panama, and on June 23 they will fly to Boston to play England.
On June 27 in Philadelphia, the Black Stars will play their last group game against Croatia.
After participating in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions, Ghana will make its fifth appearance on the largest football platform. Their most notable run was their thrilling quarterfinal finish in South Africa in 2010.
Black Stars to play Germany in a friendly on March 30 in Stuttgart as part of 2026 World Cup preparations
In an effort to get ready for the 2026 World Cup, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that the Black Stars will play Germany in a prominent friendly.
Ghana will play Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L of the competition, which is co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
According to GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, the Black Stars will travel to Stuttgart for an international friendly against Germany on Monday, March 30, ahead of the global tournament.
After losing in the group stages of the World Cup in both 2014 and 2022, Ghana hopes to improve on previous results.
Their 2026 campaign kicks off against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, followed by a clash with England in Boston on June 23. The group stage concludes with a match against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Next year’s tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, with previous campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars’ most memorable run came in South Africa in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams: “Black Stars players are more than committed.”
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has reiterated the dedication of the Black Stars players, even though they will not participate in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Stars players have brought back national pride by achieving qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in North America. Concerns have been raised regarding the team’s lackluster performances in major tournaments.
Many football fans have criticized the players’ dedication after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the AFCON for the first time in over two decades.
However, Kofi Adams has defended the players, asserting that they are committed to representing their country despite the recent challenges.
“The players of the Black Stars are fully dedicated. I mentioned that I had hoped we could have qualified for the AFCON to test our strengths. This dedication goes beyond just preparing the players; we want to get them ready and give Ghanaians a chance to experience what the team can deliver.”
With regards to preparations, camping and others, Kofi Adams said, “We’ve had conversation with the FA and we know what we want to do, which will involve the generality of Ghanaians also.”
As World Cup preparations continue, the Black Stars travel to Seoul for a test against South Korea.
In preparation for their second international friendly against South Korea on Tuesday, Black Stars will depart Nagoya for Seoul on Saturday.
The trip comes after Ghana’s Kirin Challenge Cup 2-0 loss to Japan, which was marred by a devastating injury to midfielder Francis Abu.
After midfielder Francis Abu was ruled out, coach Otto Addo will have a smaller 21-man roster. Before playing the Koreans, the team will train for three days in Seoul. The game is a part of Ghana’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States in 2026.
Ghana hopes to use these friendly games to improve team cohesiveness and shape after already securing a spot in the tournament for next year.
The squad includes a blend of established names and several newcomers such as Prince Kwabena Adu, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kelvin Nkrumah, Prince Owusu and Prince Osei Owusu.
The Black Stars will seek a stronger performance against South Korea as they push to build confidence ahead of the World Cup.
On Friday, November 14, 2025, Ghana Black Stars lost to Japan 2-0 in their Kirin Challenge Cup friendly at Toyota Stadium.
The Black Stars faced a strong Japanese team that had just won a historic 3-2 victory over Brazil despite the absence of several important players, including Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, and Thomas Partey.
Although they had early possession control, Japan initially struggled to get past Ghana’s small five-man defense. When Watanabe Tsuyoshi advanced on a cross in the sixteenth minute, Sano Kaishu intercepted and connected with Doan, Watanabe, and Kubo Takefusa to break the impasse. Japan took the lead after Minamino, who was left unmarked, finished quietly.
Before Doan added a second goal in the 60th minute, Ghana’s goalkeeper Joseph Anang was put to the test by Japan’s persistent pressure in the second half. He extended the lead with a perfect shot into the near post after receiving a ball from Kubo on the right side of the box.
Francis Abu, a midfielder for Ghana, had a critical injury and had to be stretchered off, further ruining the team’s evening. While the Black Stars found it difficult to react, Japan made a number of late replacements, including three debutants.
Ghana will now focus on a friendly match against South Korea on Tuesday, with the score still 2-0. These games are a part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations.
The Black Stars practice one last time before their match against Japan.
Before their 2025 Kirin Cup friendly against Japan on Friday at Toyota Stadium in Aichi, Ghana’s Black Stars have finished their last training session.
Head coach Otto Addo was able to finalize his lineup and game plan throughout the session, which included exercises on attacking combinations, defensive organization, and set-pieces.
All 22 players took part, although extra care was taken to make sure those who arrived late to camp—such as AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu and Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare—were prepared for the game.
Prior to the international friendly, the last session offered a chance to evaluate player fitness and foster team togetherness.
Ghana will face Japan on Friday, with the match serving as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup and the team’s subsequent friendly against South Korea. Images from the training session captured the intensity, focus, and determination of the Black Stars ahead of kickoff.
