Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has said the national team is fully focused on delivering strong performances in their upcoming international friendlies against Austria and Germany, as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup.
The Black Stars are set to face Austria on Friday at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium before travelling to Stuttgart to take on four-time world champions Germany on Monday. The fixtures form part of Ghana’s build-up to the global tournament, where they have been drawn in a group alongside Panama, Croatia and England.
Speaking ahead of the matches, Ayew emphasised the importance of maintaining a consistent approach, noting that every fixture contributes to the team’s overall readiness.
“Every game is important. Even though we know these two games are really important, previously the other games were important as well. But sometimes, it is what it is,” he said.
The forward acknowledged the challenge posed by both European opponents, describing the upcoming encounters as difficult tests for the squad.
“Tomorrow is going to be a tough game, and Monday will be a tough game, so we’ll do our best,” Ayew added.
Ghana’s meeting with Austria on Friday will offer an early indication of their progress, while the clash with Germany—one of international football’s most decorated sides—will provide a further measure of their preparedness at a higher level of competition.
Ayew also highlighted the team’s preparations as a source of optimism, pointing to improvements across multiple aspects of their game. According to the captain, the squad has been working intensively to ensure they are in the best possible condition heading into the friendlies.
“We are preparing really well tactically, technically and physically. We’re looking good, so let’s see what happens,” he noted.
The two matches are expected to give Ghana valuable experience against strong European opposition as they refine their strategy ahead of the World Cup. With Panama, Croatia and England awaiting them in the group stage, the Black Stars are using the friendlies to test their tactical approach and assess their readiness against different styles of play.
While the results of the games may not carry competitive stakes, the performances will be closely watched as an indicator of Ghana’s form and potential ahead of the tournament.
For Ayew and his teammates, the immediate focus remains clear: to compete strongly, build cohesion within the squad, and continue their preparations for the challenges that lie ahead on football’s biggest stage.
