Ghana kick off 2026 World Cup preparations with Japan and South Korea friendlies in November
Ghana will begin their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two high-profile international friendlies against Japan and South Korea in November.
The Asian tour forms part of a deliberate strategy by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and coach Otto Addo to expose the Black Stars to top-tier opposition ahead of next year’s global tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The Black Stars will first face Japan in the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi.
The game is expected to test both sides’ tactical readiness as they fine-tune their squads for the World Cup.
Japan, who qualified for the tournament in March after a 2-0 win over Bahrain, will use the match to measure their strength against African opposition.
Ghana, meanwhile, confirmed their qualification with a 1-0 victory over Comoros in Accra last Sunday.
Four days later, Otto Addo’s men will travel to Seoul for another competitive test against South Korea on Tuesday, November 18.
The encounter will rekindle memories of their thrilling 3-2 contest at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where Mohammed Kudus scored twice and Mohammed Salisu added another to secure victory for Ghana.
That performance remains one of the standout moments of Ghana’s recent World Cup history and provides extra motivation ahead of the rematch.
According to the Ghana Football Association, the upcoming friendlies are designed to help the technical team assess players, refine tactics, and build chemistry before the squad’s final selection for the World Cup.
With both Japan and South Korea already qualified for the 2026 showpiece, the fixtures promise competitive football and valuable lessons for Otto Addo’s side as they aim for a successful fifth appearance on the world stage.
The Black Stars will enter the Asian tour determined to build momentum, strengthen cohesion, and prove their readiness for another historic campaign.
