We will use FIFA international windows to prepare well for 2026 World Cup - Dr Randy Abbey

Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Dr. Randy Abbey, has revealed that plans are underway to maximize the upcoming FIFA international windows by organizing friendly matches to adequately prepare the national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana secured qualification for the global showpiece after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Comoros in their final qualifying match. The Black Stars will make a return to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Dr. Abbey explained that, following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the technical and management teams are keen to ensure the players remain active and competitive during that period.

"The first assignment, we have been discussing our absence from AFCON because it would have been a good test for the team, but we will have to take a good advantage of the FIFA international windows well and have some friendly games.

"In November, we will play against Japan and South Korea. In December, there is no window, but we are thinking about what we can do with that and also think about what we could do for the rest of the months before the World Cup starts."

He further disclosed that the management team is also working to finalise nationality switches for eligible players who are interested in representing Ghana before the tournament.

"We will use the rest of the month to also make the arrangements to get the players who want to switch nationality, so that is the plan moving forward. We want to have more games before the World Cup," he added.

The Black Stars will learn their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5.

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