Austria & Germany, beware of Black Stars: Semenyo & Partey lead the Ghanaians

After missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana got back on track by easily securing their spot in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars dominated their qualifying group, topping the table ahead of Madagascar, Mali, Comoros, the Central African Republic, and Chad.

Hence, the four-time champions of Africa can turn to preparations for their fifth WC appearance, in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and their initial tests will be friendly matches against Austria (March 27, 20.00, Vienna) and Germany (March 30, 22.45, Stuttgart).

First Ghanaian EPL Player of the Month since 2015 - Antoine Semenyo

Therefore, the Black Stars' boss Otto Addo announced a 26-man squad for the two duels, with Villarreal's Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City, Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams, and the national team's second all-time leading scorer Jordan Ayew of Leicester City as the team leaders.

In general, Addo called up 12 players from the top five European leagues and only one from the domestic league, Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. At the same time, the 50-year-old tactician gave a chance to four debutants: Patric Pfeiffer (Darmstadt), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos), and Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor).

When it comes to injured players, Mohammed Salisu (Monaco), Tariq Lamptey (Fiorentina), and Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur) would have undoubtedly made the cut if they were healthy.

Apart from the two March clashes, Ghana will play two more friendly games in May and June against Mexico and Wales, before moving to Canada, where they'll play their opening World Cup match against Panama on June 18. Five days later, they'll lock horns with England in Foxborough, while their final group-stage clash is against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.