Qualified! Ghana Tops Group I to Book 2026 World Cup Spot

Ghana’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup began with a strong start in the CAF preliminary rounds, where they were drawn into Group I alongside Mali, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros, and Chad. The Black Stars opened their campaign with a crucial 2-1 home victory against Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, setting the tone for their qualification bid.

The team’s first major test came in their second match, an away fixture against Mali in Bamako. Despite the hostile atmosphere and Mali’s home advantage, Ghana managed a valuable 1-1 draw, with Mohammed Kudus scoring a vital away goal. This was followed by back-to-back victories against Chad (4-1 at home) and Central African Republic (2-0 away), putting the Black Stars firmly in control of their group by the halfway stage.

A temporary setback occurred in matchday five when Ghana suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Comoros in Moroni, raising concerns about their qualification prospects. However, the team responded emphatically with a 3-0 victory over the same opponents in the return fixture in Accra, demonstrating their resilience when it mattered most.

The crucial matches against Mali and Madagascar in the final rounds would ultimately determine Ghana’s fate. A hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mali at home, with Jordan Ayew converting a late penalty, put Ghana in the driver’s seat. The Black Stars then traveled to Antananarivo needing just a draw against Madagascar to secure qualification. In a tense encounter, Ghana held on for a goalless draw, sparking celebrations as they confirmed their place in the expanded 48-team tournament.

Ghana finished the qualifying campaign in first place in Group I with 25 points. This was enough to secure automatic qualification as group winners, earning them a spot at the 2026 World Cup and fifth overall appearance at football’s premier tournament.