Ghana are planning to arrange an additional international friendly as they step up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a recent change in leadership and concerns that their current schedule may not provide sufficient preparation time.
The Ghana national football team had initially organised four warm-up matches after securing qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, football authorities now believe a fifth match could be crucial as the team adjusts to a new head coach and tactical direction.
The decision comes after the dismissal of former head coach Otto Addo, who was relieved of his duties following consecutive defeats in March. Ghana suffered a 5-1 loss to Austria in Vienna before being beaten 2-1 by Germany in Stuttgart, results that prompted the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to make a change.
After a period of searching, the GFA appointed Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz on a short-term contract running through the World Cup. His tenure will be reviewed after the tournament.
Queiroz, who has previously managed several national sides including Iran, Portugal and Egypt, is expected to bring greater organisation and discipline to the squad. Ghana’s football authorities hope his experience at major international tournaments will help stabilise the team ahead of their campaign.
Preparations are already underway, with friendly matches against Mexico and Wales scheduled for May and June. Despite these fixtures, officials are actively pursuing an additional game, believing that more time on the pitch will allow Queiroz to fully implement his ideas.
The new coach is due to arrive in Ghana this week for his official unveiling. He will be accompanied by five members of his technical staff and is also expected to meet the country’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, as part of his introduction.
Once formally presented, Queiroz will take charge of the team’s remaining preparations, starting with the match against Mexico. Ghana will then face Wales on 2 June in what is currently their final confirmed warm-up fixture.
The Black Stars are set to make their fifth appearance at the World Cup and have been drawn in Group L. They will begin their campaign against Panama on 17 June, before facing England on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June.
Queiroz brings significant experience to the role, having guided South Africa to qualification for the 2002 World Cup, led Portugal to the knockout stages in 2010, and overseen Iran’s campaigns in both 2014 and 2018.
Ghana will be hoping his appointment can help reverse recent disappointments, following early exits from the tournaments in 2014 and 2022, and restore confidence as they prepare to compete on football’s biggest stage once again.
