by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 21, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s U-20 women’s national team, the Ghana women’s national under-20 football team, have officially commenced preparations for their decisive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda.
The team has opened camp with a focus on tactical drills, fitness conditioning, and squad cohesion as they aim to secure a positive result in the upcoming showdown. Technical handlers are working to fine-tune strategies while assessing player sharpness ahead of the two-legged encounter.
The Black Princesses are determined to build on their strong pedigree in youth women’s football and book another ticket to the global stage. With qualification at stake, the technical team is expected to blend experience with emerging talent to assemble a competitive squad.
Uganda’s U-20 side presents a formidable challenge, but the Ghanaian camp remains confident. The players are said to be highly motivated, understanding the magnitude of the fixture and the opportunity to represent the nation at the World Cup.
As preparations intensify, attention now turns to match readiness and tactical execution, with the Black Princesses aiming to deliver a commanding performance and move one step closer to World Cup qualification.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 21, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Former Ghana international goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has voiced strong confidence in the Black Stars’ goalkeeping department as the team steps up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With just four months to the tournament, discussions have intensified over who should claim the number one jersey. However, Dauda believes the technical team has quality options to choose from, stressing that several goalkeepers are excelling at club level and are under close observation.
According to him, the handlers are carefully monitoring performances to ensure only the most in-form and mentally ready shot-stoppers make the final squad.
The debate over Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper has been one of the most talked-about issues in recent months.
Many supporters feel that Benjamin Asare deserves to head into the tournament as the undisputed starter after his performances during the qualifiers. Others argue that a goalkeeper with European exposure could provide an added edge on football’s biggest stage.
At the domestic front, Solomon Agbasi has also entered the conversation. The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper’s impressive displays have increased competition and sparked calls for his inclusion in the squad.
Head coach Otto Addo has already reaffirmed his trust in Asare, crediting him for playing a pivotal role in securing qualification. His composure, commanding presence, and shot-stopping ability have earned him the technical team’s backing.
Ghana faces a stern test in Group L, where they will come up against the England national football team, Panama national football team, and the Croatia national football team.
With formidable opposition awaiting, the decision over who stands between the posts could be crucial to the Black Stars’ ambitions of making a deep run at the tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 21, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
An allocation of GH¢150 million has been approved to support the Black Stars’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Sports, Ernest Norgbey has confirmed.
Ghana, set to make its fifth appearance at the global showpiece, has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Norgbey revealed that the government has made the financial commitment to ensure the team is adequately prepared ahead of the competition.
According to him, although FIFA is expected to provide financial support, those funds may not arrive in time to cover the immediate expenses tied to pre-tournament arrangements.
While the detailed breakdown of the GH¢150 million budget has not yet been disclosed, the investment is expected to cover camping, logistics, player bonuses, technical preparations, and other operational costs.
As part of their buildup, the Ghana national football team will engage Germany and Austria during the upcoming international window. Ghana will kick off its 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and wrapping up the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
With funding now secured, attention shifts to on-field preparations as the Black Stars aim to make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 21, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi has received his first senior national team call-up, earning a place in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Austria and Germany.
The invitation marks a major milestone in Agbasi’s career, following an impressive run of performances in the Ghana Premier League. His consistency, quick reflexes, and commanding presence in goal have played a key role in keeping Accra Hearts of Oak SC competitive in the ongoing title race.
Agbasi has drawn praise for his composure in high-pressure situations, frequently producing crucial saves and showing strong leadership at the back. His rise has not gone unnoticed, with the technical team opting to reward his domestic form with a chance on the international stage.
However, his selection has also reignited debate over Ghana’s goalkeeping hierarchy. Club captain Benjamin Asare has been the Black Stars’ preferred option in recent competitive fixtures, particularly during the decisive stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Head coach Otto Addo has previously expressed confidence in Asare as his first-choice goalkeeper.
Still, Agbasi’s inclusion signals a broader effort to deepen competition and recognise outstanding performances within the domestic league. The friendlies will offer him a valuable opportunity to stake a claim and potentially reshape the pecking order ahead of future tournaments.
With the Black Stars preparing for crucial competitions on the horizon, the battle for the number one jersey promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines in camp.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 21, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
With just over four months remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, injury concerns are casting a shadow over Ghana’s preparations.
President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has openly admitted his concern about the growing list of players currently sidelined.
Speaking to GFA Media, Okraku acknowledged the anxiety within the camp but maintained an optimistic outlook, expressing faith that the affected players will recover in time for the tournament.
One of the major concerns surrounds Thomas Partey, now with Villarreal CF after leaving Arsenal FC. The midfielder has struggled with recurring fitness issues, prompting public discussion about his readiness. While head coach Otto Addo has voiced reservations about form and match sharpness, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has insisted Partey remains central to Ghana’s plans.
There are also concerns over Mohammed Kudus of Tottenham Hotspur FC, though the technical team is reportedly committed to carefully managing his workload ahead of the finals.
Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew, currently with Leicester City FC, is widely considered a certainty for the squad after an impressive qualification campaign, contributing 13 goals across competitions this season.
Coach Addo is expected to announce his final squad by June 1, 2026, before the team heads into camp. Preparations will include friendly matches against Austria and Germany next month, offering a vital opportunity to test fringe players while protecting key stars. A final pre-tournament friendly against Mexico is scheduled for May.
Ghana have been drawn into a highly competitive Group L alongside:
England national football team
Croatia national football team
Panama national football team
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is also regarded as a strong contender for a starting spot based on current form.
Despite the injury setbacks, Okraku has reiterated his ambition to see Ghana compete strongly, not only at the World Cup but also at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The GFA has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the team and keep the injured players in their thoughts as the countdown to the tournament intensifies.
