Ghana plan Asian friendlies against Japan and South Korea ahead of World Cup push

Ghana will play two international friendlies in Asia this November against World Cup-qualified opponents, as the Black Stars continue preparations for the decisive stage of their 2026 World Cup campaign.

The Ghanaian national team currently sit top of Group I in the African qualifiers with 19 points. With two fixtures remaining, they hold a three-point advantage over Madagascar and a four-point cushion over the Comoros.

The Black Stars are set to face the Central African Republic at a yet-to-be-determined venue before meeting the Comoros in Accra, fixtures that will decide whether they qualify directly for the finals in North America or fall into the play-off stage.

Should they avoid the November play-offs, which will determine the African side progressing to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, Ghana will embark on an Asian tour.

According to Afrik-Foot, the team has scheduled two high-profile friendlies against nations already assured of their place at the tournament.

The first will be against Japan in Toyota on 14 November, played as part of the Kirin Cup, followed three days later by a clash with South Korea.

The fixtures promise a valuable test for the Black Stars, offering competitive opposition and an opportunity to measure themselves against teams with recent success on the global stage.

Both Japan and South Korea have a history of strong performances at the World Cup, and Ghana will view the encounters as crucial preparation ahead of the final phase of qualifying.

Historically, Ghana’s record against the two Asian nations has been mixed. The Black Stars have faced Japan on seven occasions, securing two victories but suffering five defeats.

Their wins came in 2006 with a narrow 1-0 triumph and in 2018 with a 2-0 result. The Samurai Blue, however, have dominated the fixture overall, registering wins in 1994 (3-2 and 2-1), 2009 (4-3), 2013 (3-1), and most recently in 2022 (4-1).

Against South Korea, the Ghanaians hold the upper hand. In nine meetings, the Black Stars have recorded five victories to the Taegeuk Warriors’ four.

Ghana’s most notable wins include a 3-1 success in 2006, a commanding 4-0 victory in 2014, and a thrilling 3-2 triumph at the 2022 World Cup.

South Korea, however, have also taken memorable results, including a 3-0 victory in 1997 and a 2-1 win in 2011.

For Ghana, the prospect of facing two World Cup-bound sides away from home offers both challenge and opportunity.

These matches will provide head coach and players alike with valuable insights into the squad’s readiness, exposing them to differing tactical systems and high-intensity football just months before the global showpiece.

The November fixtures will also give supporters a clearer indication of the Black Stars’ ability to compete at the highest level.

With qualification for the 2026 tournament within reach, the matches against Japan and South Korea could play an important role in sharpening Ghana’s preparations and boosting confidence ahead of what promises to be a crucial year for the national team.