Black Stars coach Otto Addo is gearing up to announce his squad for Ghana’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar this week.

After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana’s national team faces mounting pressure to redeem themselves. With their sights set on securing a fifth World Cup appearance, the Black Stars will regroup later this month for Matchday five and six of the qualifiers.

Otto Addo’s squad has already been submitted to the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Executive Council for review, with expectations high for a strong selection. However, the team will be without key players such as Alidu Seidu, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Abdul Mumin, and Daniel Kofi Kyere, all sidelined due to injuries.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that veteran forward Andre Ayew, absent since Ghana’s AFCON 2023 campaign, could make a return. His younger brother, Jordan Ayew, is expected to captain the side for these vital encounters.

Ghana, currently second in Group I, will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT, before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24. These matches could prove decisive in the Black Stars’ quest for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.