2026 World Cup: Pressure on Black Stars to deliver against Chad, Madagascar

The Black Stars continue their journey for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, March 21, when they host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium in a must-win game. Three days later, they team will be in Morocco to engage Madagascar in a potential top of the table clash. 

The team opened camp on Monday, their first session since the disastrous Africa Cup of Nations qualifying run, where Ghana missed out on the tournament for the first time in 20 years.

Ghanaians have been left with divided opinions about the team’s performances, with many losing hope in the Black Stars’ ability to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

There is huge pressure on the team as they work hard to convince Ghanaians ahead of the matches against Chad and Madagascar. Ghana sits second in Group I, a point behind leaders Madagascar, who have played a game more.

This means, the Black Stars need to beat Chad to reclaim top spot and open a two-point lead over Madagascar before Monday’s clash.

Meanwhile, Mali’s thumping victory over Comoros, their first victory in the qualifiers, could even put more pressure on the Black Stars as the Eagles are deemed the biggest threat to Ghana’s ambition.

The Black Stars could make their path to the tournament easier with victories in the two games, but the question remains, which type of team shows up against these two teams.