Black Stars secure 2026 World Cup spot with narrow win over Comoros
13th October 2025
The Black Stars of Ghana sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style, edging Comoros 1-0 in a tense final Group I encounter on Sunday night at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Head coach Otto Addo fielded a strong lineup for the crucial tie, handing a return to defender Alidu Seidu after a long injury absence, alongside Jonas Adjetey and Francis Annan.
Ghana entered the contest needing just a point to confirm their place at next year’s tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, after their emphatic 5-0 triumph over the Central African Republic in the previous round.
The first half proved cagey, with both sides sharing possession and half-chances. Jordan Ayew came close to opening the scoring in the 36th minute, weaving past defenders before being denied by a last-ditch clearance. Comoros, meanwhile, threatened on the break, forcing goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to make key saves to keep the game level at halftime.
Just two minutes after the restart, Ghana found the breakthrough. Mohammed Kudus coolly converted from close range after a clever square pass from Thomas Partey, sending the packed stadium into celebration.
The Black Stars dominated proceedings thereafter, pressing high and controlling the tempo, though they couldn’t find a second goal despite several promising moves.
Addo made a triple substitution midway through the second half, introducing Gideon Mensah, Caleb Yirenkyi, and debutant Kojo Oppong Peprah for Kudus, Kwasi Sibo, and Alidu Seidu.
Late in the game, Antoine Semenyo’s teasing cross narrowly missed Yirenkyi, while Brandon Thomas-Asante and Christopher Baah-Bonsu came on to help Ghana hold firm in the closing moments.
The victory sees Ghana finish top of Group I with 25 points, officially booking their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the nation’s fifth appearance at the global showpiece.
The Black Stars will now shift focus to the World Cup group stage draw in December, where they will learn their opponents for the tournament.