The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially confirmed the full schedule of international friendlies for the Black Stars as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico later this year. This tournament marks Ghana’s fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage, following previous campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.
The Black Stars’ pre-World Cup preparations will begin on Friday, March 27, when they face Austria at the iconic Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, with kickoff scheduled for 17:00 GMT. Just three days later, Ghana will travel to Stuttgart, Germany, to take on the German national team at the MHP Arena, in what promises to be a stern test against one of Europe’s footballing powerhouses.
In May, head coach Otto Addo will lead the team in another warm-up fixture against Mexico, though the venue and exact kickoff time are yet to be finalized. The Black Stars will then conclude their friendly series on June 2 with a match against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium, providing one final opportunity to fine-tune the squad before heading to the World Cup.
Ghana enters the tournament with a renewed ambition to improve on past performances, having exited at the group stage in both the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar. The team, four-time champions of Africa, have been drawn in Group L, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia. Their group stage campaign kicks off against Panama on June 17, followed by a clash with England on June 23, and concluding with a decisive match against Croatia on June 27.
These friendlies offer the Black Stars a vital opportunity to sharpen their tactical approach, test squad combinations, and ensure players are match-ready ahead of the World Cup. Each game will allow coach Otto Addo to assess his squad, experiment with strategies, and build cohesion, ensuring Ghana approaches the tournament fully prepared to compete at the highest level.
With an experienced technical team and a squad blending seasoned internationals and promising young talent, Ghana will aim not only to advance beyond the group stage but also to make a lasting impact at football’s grandest tournament. These pre-World Cup friendlies will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the Black Stars finalize their preparations for the ultimate challenge on the global stage.
