Ghana’s assistant coach Desmond Ofei says the Black Stars squad is eager to prove themselves ahead of an international friendly against Mexico as preparations intensify for the 2026 World Cup.
The match against Mexico is scheduled for 22 May and forms part of Ghana’s build-up to the tournament, which will take place in North America later this year. The Black Stars are also expected to face Wales on 2 June in another preparatory fixture before beginning their World Cup campaign.
A 23-man squad has been assembled by the technical team led by head coach Carlos Queiroz for the encounter with the South American side. The squad includes players from Ghana’s domestic league as well as several emerging under-23 talents.
Speaking to Flashscore, Ofei said the selected players had shown strong determination and ambition ahead of the upcoming matches.
“For the upcoming game against Mexico, we have selected a very talented and ambitious group of players from our local league, alongside some exciting U23 talents and players who are highly motivated to show their qualities to the nation and to our new head coach, Mr Carlos Queiroz,” Ofei said.
The assistant coach indicated that the fixtures would provide players with an opportunity to impress the coaching staff before the World Cup begins. The friendlies are also expected to help the technical team assess combinations and build cohesion within the squad.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup finals and enter the competition hoping to improve on previous performances on football’s biggest stage. The four-time African champions have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars are due to begin their campaign against Panama on 17 June before facing England six days later. Their final group-stage match will come against Croatia on 27 June.
The preparations against Mexico and Wales are seen as important tests for Queiroz and his backroom staff as they continue shaping the team ahead of the tournament. The matches are also likely to offer younger and locally based players a chance to compete for places in the final World Cup squad.
Mexico, traditionally one of the stronger sides in international football, are expected to provide Ghana with a demanding challenge. The fixture will allow the Black Stars to test themselves against experienced opposition before entering a difficult group featuring European heavyweights England and Croatia.
Ofei’s comments reflect growing optimism within the camp as Ghana look to arrive at the tournament in strong form. The assistant coach emphasised the enthusiasm within the squad, highlighting the desire among players to demonstrate their abilities both to supporters and to the newly appointed head coach.
With the World Cup now drawing closer, Ghana’s focus remains on building momentum through the warm-up fixtures and ensuring the team is fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
