Ghana’s final stretch of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has encountered an unexpected obstacle after Honduras withdrew from a scheduled friendly match that was set to take place on June 9.
The Black Stars had lined up the fixture as a key component of their pre-tournament programme, with the match expected to be played behind closed doors before the team departed for North America.
The cancellation leaves the Ghana Football Association scrambling to find a new opponent at short notice. The encounter against Honduras had been organised after earlier efforts to secure a friendly against Jamaica proved unsuccessful.
With time running out before the tournament kicks off, the GFA is now exploring alternative options in a bid to provide the national team with another valuable test ahead of their World Cup campaign.
🏆 #FIFAWorldCup preparations continue with full focus 👊🏾🇬🇭#BlackStars pic.twitter.com/NVT0Z6ZQS9
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 8, 2026
The planned fixture was viewed as an important exercise by head coach Carlos Queiroz and his backroom staff, who are eager to put the squad through one final competitive outing before the opening group-stage match.
Ghana recently drew 1-1 with Wales at Cardiff City Stadium, a performance that offered the technical team an opportunity to evaluate the squad’s progress and identify areas requiring further refinement. The Honduras match was expected to serve as an additional platform for tactical adjustments and final fitness assessments.
Despite the setback, the Black Stars’ broader preparations remain on course. Once a replacement fixture is confirmed and played, the team is scheduled to travel to Toronto, where it will establish its training base ahead of the tournament.
Ghana begin their Group L journey against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, knowing that a positive start could be crucial in a section that also features England and Croatia.
The four-time African champions will then face England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium before wrapping up their group-stage commitments against Croatia four days later.
💪🏾 Training continues in the USA! 🇺🇸#BlackStars | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/fh3UMGLQee
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 6, 2026
Making their fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage, the Black Stars are determined to progress beyond the first round and recreate the success of their memorable 2010 campaign, when they reached the quarter-finals. Ghana have failed to advance from the group phase in their two most recent World Cup appearances in 2014 and 2022.
An official announcement regarding a replacement opponent is expected from the Ghana Football Association in the coming days as preparations intensify ahead of the global showpiece.
