2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Otto Addo Set to Name Strong Black Stars Squad Against Chad and Mali

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Otto Addo Set to Name Strong Black Stars Squad Against Chad and Mali

  • A formidable Black Stars squad is set to be named for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers
  • Details of the date and venue for Otto Addo’s squad announcement have emerged ahead of the doubleheader
  • Wins against Chad and Mali would put Ghana within touching distance of securing a ticket to next year’s global showpiece

Ghana head coach Otto Addo is preparing to announce his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.

Reports indicate the list will be made public this week.

Otto Addo, Black Stars, Chad, Mali, Accra Sports Stadium, 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Otto Addo is set to name a strong Black Stars squad ahead of the September round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo credit: @GhanaBlackstars/X.
Source: Getty Images

Otto Addo to name squad for World Cup qualifiers

The Black Stars head into these fixtures on the back of a fine run in March, when they thrashed Chad 5–0 before brushing aside Madagascar 3–0.

That emphatic performance lifted confidence in the camp and reignited belief in Ghana’s ability to dominate Group I.

Otto Addo’s side will first travel to N'Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Deby Itno on Thursday, September 4.

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Four days later, they will return home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, as noted by Ghanafa.org.

To ensure proper preparation, camp is expected to open on Monday, September 1, with players joining straight after their weekend club duties.

With no major injury concerns, Addo is tipped to name a full-strength team.

Jordan Ayew, Ghana's Black Stars, 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Chad, Mali.
Jordan Ayew will lead Ghana's Black Stars in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali. Photo credit: @GhanaBlackstars/X.
Source: Twitter

Kudus, Semenyo and co. expected to be named in Otto Addo's squad

Captain Jordan Ayew is once again expected to lead the charge. The Leicester City forward was outstanding in the last round of qualifiers, scoring once and providing four assists. His influence will be central to Addo’s plans.

Tottenham Hotspur star Mohammed Kudus, fresh from his blistering start to the Premier League season, and Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who already has three goal contributions in just two games, are also in line for call-ups.

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Joseph Paintsil is tipped to return after missing out since featuring against Angola last year, adding more attacking depth to the squad, as noted by Ghanasoccernet.

The biggest question mark hovers over deputy captain Thomas Partey.

The former Arsenal midfielder is expected to appear in court in the United Kingdom on September 2, only two days before Ghana’s clash with Chad.

His availability remains uncertain and could prove a major talking point when the final list is announced.

Victories in both matches would bring Ghana a step closer to another World Cup adventure on the global stage.

Ghana on course to qualify for 2026 World Cup

After six games, Ghana sit at the summit of Group I with 15 points, winning five and losing once.

Their destiny remains firmly in their hands as they chase qualification for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

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Comoros trail closely in second with 12 points, while Madagascar follow with 10.

Mali, regarded as one of the toughest challengers in the group, have nine points in fourth place.

The Central African Republic sit just above bottom-placed Chad, who remain pointless after six matches.

John Mensah backs Black Stars for early World Cup qualification

In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh shared John Mensah’s belief that Ghana could secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as early as next month.

The former Black Stars captain stressed that maintaining consistency will be crucial in guaranteeing a place at the global tournament.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe avatar

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.

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