The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has ruled out any additional friendly match for the Black Stars ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.
After a 1-1 draw with Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium, Ghana had been lined up for a final preparatory fixture against either Jamaica or Honduras. However, Honduras—widely expected to be the opponent—pulled out of the arrangement, leaving the team without a confirmed replacement.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said no alternative game has been scheduled, though he stopped short of completely dismissing the possibility of a late arrangement.
“At this point, it is a big no [to playing another friendly game]. We don’t have any game on paper at this point. It doesn’t look likely, but I am not in the position to rule out anything yet.”
He explained that any late decision would depend on the technical team’s assessment of the squad’s needs, but indicated that only a low- or mid-intensity match would be considered at this stage.
“If it is that we wake up tomorrow and he wants to play, maybe a mid- to low-intensity game, I don’t think he will accept a high-intensity game at this point,” he said.
“But if it is that we wake up tomorrow and he wants to play a mid- to low-intensity game, we will make it public. At this point, there is nothing of the sort on paper.”
Asante Twum also stressed that preparations are being handled jointly by the Ghana FA and head coach Carlos Queiroz, with both parties aligned on the final approach to the tournament build-up.
“If the coach wants a game, we arrange. If he doesn’t need a game, we move. We told him about a second game before we played against Wales. We were all looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, and collectively we have decided to move on. So it’s not about only the coach or the FA. We work hand in hand to ensure that the best possible arrangements are made for the team.”
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before meeting England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
Under coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana will be aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.
