Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Dr Randy Abbey, has revealed that the team will make full use of the upcoming FIFA international windows to organise friendly matches as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana booked a spot at next summer’s tournament after defeating Comoros 1-0 in their final qualifying game.
The Black Stars will, however, miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in over two decades, a situation Dr Abbey admits has altered the team’s preparation plans.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dr Abbey said the technical and management teams are working to ensure the team remains active and competitive despite the AFCON absence.
“The first assignment, we have been discussing our absence from AFCON because it would have been a good test for the team, but we will have to take a good advantage of the FIFA international windows well and have some friendly games.
“In November, we will play against Japan and South Korea. In December, there is no window, but we are thinking about what we can do with that and also think about what we could do for the rest of the months before the World Cup starts.”
Dr Abbey added that beyond organising friendlies, the management is also finalising nationality switches for eligible players who wish to represent Ghana.
“We will use the rest of the month to also make the arrangements to get the players who want to switch nationality, so that is the plan moving forward. We want to have more games before the World Cup,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that the Black Stars will take on Japan in the 2025 Kirin Cup Challenge on November 14 before taking on South Korea on November 18 in an international friendly games.
The Black Stars will know their group opponents for the 2026 World Cup on December 5.
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