The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed the official schedule for the September round of matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, with Ghana set to play two pivotal games that could determine their path to the tournament in North America.
The Black Stars, currently leading Group I, will be in action on Thursday, September 4, and Monday, September 8, 2025, against Chad and Mali respectively.
Ghana’s first match in the September window will be away against Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. Kickoff is scheduled for 13:00 GMT.
Led by head coach Otto Addo, the team will look to continue their impressive form, having secured five wins in six matches, including crucial victories against Comoros and Central African Republic.
The encounter against Chad will be an opportunity for Ghana to solidify their position at the top of the group. Chad, meanwhile, will be eager to use home advantage to frustrate the Black Stars and possibly pull off an upset.
Following their trip to Chad, the Black Stars will return home to face Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium. This match will kick off at 19:00 GMT under the floodlights in what promises to be a high-stakes affair.
Mali, always a competitive side on the African stage, are still in the hunt for qualification and will be looking to dent Ghana’s campaign. The reverse fixture saw Ghana edge out Mali in a tightly contested game, and another three points could all but seal the group for the West African giants.
Ghana currently sits atop Group I with 15 points, three clear of second-placed Comoros and five ahead of Madagascar, who are third. The group also features Central African Republic, Mali, and Chad.
Otto Addo’s men have managed a strong campaign so far with five wins and one loss. With only two matchdays left after September’s games, Ghana has a golden opportunity to book a spot in the final round of qualifiers or possibly secure direct qualification if results go their way.
With just four games left in the qualifying campaign, every point counts. A win against Chad would increase Ghana’s buffer at the top, while a home win against Mali could effectively end the latter’s hopes of qualification.
Given their current momentum and depth in squad quality, the Black Stars are well-positioned, but they must avoid complacency. Qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains the ultimate prize.
- September 4, 2025: Chad vs Ghana – 13:00 GMT
- September 8, 2025: Ghana vs Mali – 19:00 GMT
All eyes will be on Otto Addo and his squad as they aim to make Ghana’s fifth appearance on the world’s biggest football stage.
