The Black Stars of Ghana, are gearing up for two pivotal matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, facing Chad on September 4 and Mali on September 8, 2025. These Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures in Group I are critical as Ghana aims to secure qualification for the global showpiece in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA has confirmed the schedule, with the Black Stars traveling to N’Djamena to take on Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on Thursday, September 4, at 13:00 GMT. Four days later, they return home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, at 19:00 GMT.
The Accra Sports Stadium, the only CAF- and FIFA-approved venue in Ghana, will serve as the stage for this high-stakes home clash, following the disqualification of Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium due to substandard conditions.
Ghana currently leads Group I with 15 points from six matches, boasting five wins and one loss. Their dominant 5-0 victory over Chad in March 2025 at the Accra Sports Stadium, where Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah scored, showcased their attacking prowess.
This followed a 3-0 win against Madagascar in Morocco, further solidifying their position at the top, three points ahead of second-placed Comoros (12 points) and five ahead of Madagascar (10 points). Mali, with nine points, remain a formidable threat in third place.
Coach Otto Addo, who has emphasized focus and cautioned against complacency, is expected to rely on key players like Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Thomas Partey (Arsenal), and captain Jordan Ayew (Leicester City).
The squad’s depth was evident in their March triumph, with debutant goalkeeper Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak) earning praise for his performance. Other likely inclusions are Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce), and wingers Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) and Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club).
The game against Chad, who remain pointless after losing all six qualifiers and conceding nine goals while scoring just one, presents Ghana with a prime opportunity to secure three points. However, the away fixture in N’Djamena will test their resilience, as Chad may look to capitalize on home support despite their struggles.
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Mali, a tougher opponent, previously fell 2-1 to Ghana in June 2024 in Bamako, but their recent 3-0 win over Comoros shows their potential to challenge. The Black Stars will need to leverage their home crowd’s energy in Accra to counter Mali’s physical and technical prowess.
Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has noted that, luck will play a role, given the tight competition in Group I. With only the group winner guaranteed a World Cup spot and the runner-up potentially advancing to a CAF playoff, every point is crucial.
Ghana’s final qualifiers in October 2025 against the Central African Republic and Comoros will further test their mettle, but the September window could be decisive. A victory over Chad and a strong showing against Mali could see Ghana edge closer to their fifth World Cup appearance, following participations in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.
