The African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are entering their decisive phase. Only two matchdays remain to determine the seven final teams that will join Morocco and Tunisia in the main event in North America.
The Black Stars of Ghana are on the brink of yet another historic achievement as they aim to secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time. Otto Addo’s men face the Central African Republic (CAR) in Morocco in a decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying clash that could see them book their ticket to the global showpiece.
Currently sitting at the top of Group I with 19 points, Ghana holds a three-point advantage over second-placed Madagascar. A victory against C.A.R could all but confirm their automatic qualification, depending on other results in the group.
A win on Wednesday would move Ghana a step closer to confirming their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the Black Stars’ fate may partially depend on results elsewhere—particularly the outcome of Comoros vs Madagascar—a strong performance against CAR would consolidate their impressive qualifying campaign.
HEAD TO HEAD
The national teams of Ghana and the Central African Republic have met three times in official matches. This will be the fourth meeting in an official match.
Ghana leads the head-to-head with two wins and one draw, remaining unbeaten. Their most recent encounter was on June 10, 2024, during World Cup qualifying, where the Black Stars triumphed in a thrilling 4-3 victory at the Kumasi Yara Sports Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
Ghana has been hit by the absence of Ibrahim Sulemana, who misses out through injury in the last international window. Inaki Williams and Tariq Lamptey are the latest victims to miss out due injury.
The rest of the squad, however, remains largely intact, with Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Jordan Ayew expected to feature prominently.
From the C.A.R camp, coach Rigobert Song has a near full-strength squad to choose from. Key players like goalkeepers Geoffrey Lembet and Dominique Youfeigane, defender Hugo Gambor, and forward Bertillon Arnold Yangana are expected to give the Ghanaian players a run for their money.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has called for focus and discipline as the Black Stars prepare for a crucial clash against the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) in their penultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
“Everything is in our hands but I hope that we learnt the lesson from the last away game against Chad,” he emphasized. “It is important that we stay focused and concentrated and not think we have already won because that is a big danger.”
“We were very happy with the result against Mali and we are taking this positive feeling into the C.A.R game,” Addo said. “It is always like that. Everybody knows what this game is about and I hope we take this positive vibe into the game.”
FORM GUIDE (LAST SIX MATCHES)
GHANA’S FORM
28 September 2025 Ghana 1-0 Mali
24 September 2025 Ghana 1-1 Chad World Cup Qualifiers
31 May 2025 Trinidad and Tobago 0-4 Ghana Unity Cup
28 May 2025 Ghana 1-2 Nigeria Unity Cup
24 March 2025 Madagascar 0-3 Ghana World Cup Qualifiers
21 March 2025 Ghana 5-0 Chad World Cup Qualifiers
PREDICTED LINEUPS
GHANA (3-4-3): Benjamin Asare, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alexander Djiku, Jonas Adjetey, Gideon Mensah, Mohammed Salisu, Kwasi Sibo, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew.
Central African Republic (CAR): Abimala; F. Yangoa, Gambor, Miambaye, Basse-Zokana; Beyissa, Oualengbe, Gusset, Yawanendji; Djimet, Mafouta
PREDICTIONS
Ghana 3- 1 Central African Republic
Source: 3news.com By rabbi Adu Agyei
