Global football governing body FIFA has officially confirmed the match dates for the September round of qualifiers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Among the key teams in the African qualifiers is Ghana, whose national team, the Black Stars, will face two decisive encounters as part of their campaign to secure a place in the prestigious global tournament.
According to the confirmed schedule, Ghana is set to play two crucial fixtures in September 2025 — one away match against Chad and a home clash with Mali. These games form part of Matchday 7 and Matchday 8 in the African qualification series, which will ultimately determine which teams progress to the next stage.
Speaking on Eastern FM 105.1 MHz, sources close to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) emphasized the significance of these fixtures, noting that the outcomes will play a pivotal role in Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup — a tournament the nation is eager to return to after missing out in previous editions.
Ghana vs. Chad – September 4, 2025
The first fixture will see the Black Stars travel to N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, to face the Chadian national team on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The match will take place at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, a stadium named after the late Chadian president and known for hosting major international games in the Central African region.
This away encounter is expected to test Ghana’s resilience, especially considering the unpredictable nature of away matches in African qualifiers, where travel logistics, pitch conditions, and climate can significantly impact performance.
Ghana vs. Mali – September 8, 2025
Four days after the trip to Chad, Ghana will return home to welcome Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025. This match is anticipated to be a highly competitive fixture, given Mali’s recent rise in African football and their squad depth.
Mali, like Ghana, is in contention for a top spot in the group and is known for its disciplined midfield and youthful attacking force. The fixture will likely be a high-stakes battle, and Black Stars coach Otto Addo will be expected to assemble his strongest squad for the encounter.
Otto Addo’s Strategy Moving Forward
Head Coach Otto Addo, who was reappointed to lead the Black Stars following Ghana’s AFCON 2025 campaign, is expected to use the next international break to fine-tune his tactics and assess player fitness. Under his leadership, the Black Stars have adopted a blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership, a strategy that has yielded mixed results so far.
Speaking on team preparations, insiders told Eastern FM 105.1 MHz that Addo is expected to name a provisional squad by mid-August, with several Europe-based players likely to return, including key figures from the Premier League, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga. Training camps in Accra and a possible pre-match friendly are also on the table to ensure match sharpness.
The Road Ahead
After the September matches, Ghana will play its final round of qualifiers in October, wrapping up the group stage campaign. With fierce competition from teams like Mali and others in the group, the September fixtures could be make-or-break for Ghana’s World Cup hopes.
Fans across the country are already gearing up for the home match in Accra, which is expected to draw a large crowd. Football enthusiasts and pundits alike have urged the team to stay focused and maintain discipline as the road to North America 2026 intensifies.
A Nation’s Hope
For many Ghanaians, returning to the World Cup stage is not just about football — it’s about national pride, global representation, and the chance to showcase the talent the country is known for producing. The next few months will be vital in determining whether Ghana can once again take its place among the world’s football elite.
As always, Eastern FM 105.1 MHz will provide comprehensive updates, pre-match analysis, live commentary, and post-match breakdowns as the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
STORY BY KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
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