The preparation for the World Cup 2026 has already gathered steam as nations across the globe continue to fight for a place in next year’s tournament via the qualification round.
Ghana’s Black Stars hope to make back-to-back appearances on the world stage for the second time in their history, having featured in the last edition. With the CAF World Cup Qualification already four rounds in, let’s take a quick overview of their performance, upcoming fixtures, opponents, and overall chances of grabbing one of the available spots for the African continent.
Ghana’s qualification journey
Ghana’s road to the World Cup started with a favorable draw in Group I alongside Chad, Central Africa, Mali, Madagascar, and Comoros. After four rounds, the Black Stars have won three matches with a single loss, putting them second on the table behind Comoros, who occupy the automatic qualification spot with a better goal difference. The Ghanaians have had a solid start, and being the most talented squad in that group, finishing top of their group at the end of the qualification round is a real possibility.
Upcoming opponents and key fixtures
There are six more rounds to go before the qualification round wraps up. Home and away matches against basement boys Chad will be viewed as a bonus. However, the remaining games and the results will determine if it will end in an automatic qualification, the lottery of the tedious play-off, or the heartbreak of missing out altogether.
Away to Madagascar
This fixture will be the first litmus test for the Black Stars, as this away strip could be a potential banana peel. The Madagascans have already lost the reverse fixture but have proven a solid outfit at home, with the resounding thumping of the current table topper. The Ghanaians can’t afford to be complacent when they make the trip to this small island nation.
Away to Central Africa
Another tricky away trip is the match against the Central African Republic, which looks easier on paper. The Central Africans also boast a very solid outfit at home, and having also lost the reverse fixture, you can expect a very motivated charge when they welcome the Ghanaians.
Home to Comoros
The final game of the qualification cycle is a home clash against the current leaders. The possibility of this being a winner-take-all encounter is high, so expect a heated contest. Having lost the away fixture, the Black Stars will be glad to have this final game with home advantage. A strong home showing so far will make them the bookmaker’s favourites to win and confirm their participation in next year’s tournament. Check out the best football betting sites on Cheekypunter to get the best odds on this game.
How to watch Ghana’s World Cup Qualifier games
Ghana’s Black Stars will resume their qualifying campaign on the 19th of March with a home game against Chad. You can catch live match action through your satellite TV provider, such as Dstv, or online with sports TV platforms like Bein Sports or the FIFA+ app. You can also watch Ghana’s matches on sports betting sites that offer streaming services and stay connected with all the action.
Ghana will know all too well that they have their destiny in their hands regarding their chances of qualification. The favorable draw has made the job easier, and all that is left is for them to take advantage of the stroke of luck. As long as they avoid any form of complacency, they are likely to come out on top in the end.
