Sports News of Saturday, 25 April 2026

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Aziz Issah, David Oduro on brink of Black Stars call-up for Mexico friendly

Aziz Issah (R)and David Oduro (L) are expected to be called up for Ghana's game against Mexico Aziz Issah (R)and David Oduro (L) are expected to be called up for Ghana's game against Mexico

FC Barcelona Atletic players David Oduro and Abdul Aziz Issah are expected to be included in Ghana’s squad for next month’s international friendly against Mexico as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match, scheduled for May 22, 2026, will serve as one of Ghana’s key warm-up fixtures ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, both players are in line for selection unless Barcelona Atlètic secure a place in the promotion playoffs and request their release be blocked.

Aziz Issah has been in impressive form this season, scoring four goals and cementing a regular starting role under coach Juliano Belletti with Barça B.

He has already earned international experience, making a brief appearance for Ghana in a 2025 friendly against Trinidad and Tobago during the Unity Cup in the UK.

Oduro, on the other hand, is on the verge of returning from injury but has also featured regularly when fit. The upcoming call-up would mark his first involvement with the Black Stars.

Aziz, currently in his second year on loan at Barcelona, is attracting growing transfer interest, while Oduro remains under contract with the Catalan club until 2027.

Ghana’s clash with Mexico will be the first of several preparatory games ahead of the World Cup, where the Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

The team will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

New head coach Carlos Queiroz has been tasked with guiding Ghana beyond the group stage, as the team looks to improve on earlier exits in 2014 and 2022.