The Black Stars of Ghana will today Friday November 17, 2023 play Madagascar in the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
In group I alongside Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Madagascar and Mali, the Black Stars need to top their group to secure an automatic qualification and avoid playoffs as 10 countries are expected to represent the continent at the world stage to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
As part of the new qualifying process nine African countries are guaranteed automatic qualification while four best-ranked second-placed sides will be drawn into play-offs, with a semi-final and final in November 2025.
The winner of the play-off will then advance to an intercontinental play-off tournament.
Speaking ahead Ghana’s opening game against Madagascar in Kumasi, head coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton said his team needs to start well in their opening games.
According to him, the games against Madagascar and Comoros are very important for both the players and the technical team after losing two international friendlies last month and in preparation for the AFCON in January.
The Black stars will travel to Comoros on Saturday to prepare for their second game against Comoros on Tuesday November 21.
