The Ghana national football team, also known as the Black Stars, have officially booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a 1–0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Star midfielder Mohammed Kudus scored the only goal of the match in the 47th minute, calmly finishing a pinpoint cross from Thomas Partey to secure the crucial win that sealed Ghana’s ticket to the global tournament.
The Black Stars dominated possession throughout the encounter, pressing high and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Only a heavy home defeat could have threatened their qualification hopes, but the team remained disciplined and composed until the final whistle.
The victory ensures Ghana’s participation at the 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the West African powerhouse’s sixth appearance at football’s biggest stage.
Group I Wrap-Up
In the other Group I fixtures, Madagascar’s faint hopes of advancing as one of the top four group runners-up were dashed following a 3–1 defeat to Mali at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.
Lassine Sinayoko and Dorgeles Nene gave Les Aigles a comfortable lead in the first half, before Sinayoko added his second goal after the break. Madagascar managed a late consolation during second-half stoppage time, but it was too little, too late to change their fate.
Meanwhile, in N’Djamena, Central African Republic edged hosts Chad 3–2 in an entertaining but inconsequential match between teams already eliminated from the qualification race.
The final Group I standings are as follows:
- Ghana – 25 points
- Madagascar – 19 points
- Mali – 18 points
- Comoros – 15 points
- Central African Republic – 8 points
- Chad – 1 point
Ghana’s qualification adds to Africa’s growing list of representatives at the 2026 tournament, as the continent prepares for an expanded format that will feature more teams and matches than ever before.
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