Black Stars set for crucial World Cup warm-up against Mexico

By Trust Ittai and Enoch Fiifi Forson

  

  

  

The Ghana Football Association has confirmed that the Ghana national football team the Black Stars will face Mexico national football team in a high-profile international friendly as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match, scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026, at a yet-to-be-announced venue in Mexico, becomes the third confirmed warm-up fixture for coach Otto Addo and his squad ahead of the global showpiece in June.

Ghana had already lined up friendly encounters against Austria national football team and Germany national football team in March, but the addition of Mexico provides another stern test as the Black Stars fine-tune tactics and solidify combinations.

For Mexico, one of the tournament’s three co-hosts, the fixture offers valuable preparation before their World Cup opener against South Africa national football team on June 11. 

Facing African opposition is expected to give El Tri a competitive edge ahead of that clash.

From Ghana’s perspective, the friendly serves as an important dress rehearsal ahead of their Group L opener against Panama national football team on June 17 in Toronto. 

Panama’s regional football profile mirrors that of Mexico, making the encounter a strategic test for the Black Stars.

After the Panama clash, Ghana will take on European heavyweights England national football team and Croatia national football team in what promises to be a demanding group campaign.

With squads expected to be largely settled by late May, both sides will view the friendly as an opportunity to make final tactical adjustments and build momentum heading into the biggest football stage in the world.