Ghana’s national team will continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an international friendly against the Mexico national team on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Puebla.

The game is expected to offer the Black Stars technical team another chance to assess several players ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

With head coach Carlos Queiroz unavailable due to personal reasons, assistant coach Desmond Offei is expected to lead the team from the touchline as Ghana fine-tunes plans for a difficult World Cup group featuring England, Croatia and Panama.

The friendly is also likely to hand opportunities to several players fighting to secure places in Ghana’s final World Cup squad, especially with several experienced names absent from the team.

Desmond Offei to lead Black Stars against Mexico

Predicted Ghana line-up vs Mexico (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Benjamin Asare

The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper earned a late call-up to the squad and is expected to start in goal. As one of the more experienced players in this team, Benjamin Asare’s leadership and composure could prove important for the Black Stars.

Defenders: Razak Simpson, Ebenezer Annan, Nathaniel Adjei, Ebenezer Adade

Razak Simpson was once a regular figure in Otto Addo’s setup before a dip in form in the Ghana Premier League affected his place in the national team.

The defender now has another opportunity to prove himself at the international level.

On the left side of defence, St. Etienne full-back Ebenezer Annan is expected to continue in his preferred role after showing encouraging signs with his attacking runs and defensive work rate.

Nathaniel Adjei is tipped to partner Simpson in central defence. The Lorient defender has impressed with his physicality and ability to command the backline during the Ligue 1 season and will be expected to bring stability at the heart of defence.

Dreams FC defender Ebenezer Adade is likely to operate at right-back, with his versatility expected to be useful against the pace and movement of the Mexican attack.

Midfielders: Majeed Ashimeru, Salis Adams, Augustine Boakye

Majeed Ashimeru is expected to anchor the midfield after remaining a consistent figure in the Black Stars setup whenever fit.

The La Louvierre midfielder’s calmness on the ball and ability to control possession could be key for Ghana.

He is likely to be joined by Salim Adams, one of the standout performers in the Ghana Premier League and a player strongly pushing for a place in Ghana’s World Cup squad.

Further forward, Augustine Boakye is expected to play in the attacking midfield role.

The creative midfielder has enjoyed an impressive campaign in Ligue 2, registering nine assists, and will be tasked with supplying chances for the front three.

Forwards: Ibrahim Osman, Felix Afena-Gyan, Joseph Opoku

Desmond Offei is expected to rely on Ibrahim Osman on the right wing, with the Birmingham City attacker’s pace and direct running seen as a major weapon against the Mexican defence.

Felix Afena-Gyan is likely to lead the attack as he continues his return to the national team setup after a difficult spell away from the Black Stars.

On the left wing, Joseph Opoku is expected to complete the front three. The Waregem forward has enjoyed an impressive season, scoring 10 goals in 33 matches, and will be hoping to translate that form onto the international stage.

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Ghana's 2026 World Cup preparations receive GH¢2m backing