Ghana set for Austria and Germany test ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are gathering momentum as the Black Stars line up two high-profile international friendlies against European opposition in March, with Austria and Germany confirmed as their tune-ups ahead of the global showpiece.
The Black Stars will first travel to Vienna to face Austria at the iconic Ernst Happel Stadium on Friday, March 27, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 GMT. The encounter brings together two nations that have already secured qualification for the World Cup, which will be staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States in June.
The friendly offers a valuable test for head coach Otto Addo and his technical team as Ghana continues to fine-tune tactics, assess squad depth and build cohesion ahead of a demanding tournament.
Austria, like Ghana, will be using the match to sharpen their edge, having been drawn into a challenging Group J alongside reigning world champions Argentina, Algeria and Jordan.
Ghana, meanwhile, has been handed a tough assignment in Group I of the World Cup, where they will face England, Croatia and Panama.
The March friendlies are therefore expected to play a key role in preparing the Black Stars for the intensity and quality they will encounter in the group phase.
Following the clash with Austria, Ghana will remain in Europe to take on Germany in their second friendly on Monday, March 30, 2026.
The back-to-back matches against strong European sides are seen as an ideal dress rehearsal for the World Cup, offering the Black Stars a chance to measure themselves against different tactical styles and physical demands.
At the tournament proper, Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, in Toronto. They will then face England in Boston on June 23 before rounding off their group fixtures against Croatia on June 27, 2026.
With qualification already secured, attention now turns to preparation and performance. The upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany are expected to provide crucial insights and momentum as the Black Stars set their sights on making a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.