Former Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda says the Black Stars’ upcoming pre-2026 FIFA World Cup friendly matches will serve as a vital measuring stick for the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.
Dauda, who was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, said the fixtures against Germany, Austria, and Mexico will offer the technical team and players a realistic picture of where the side stands, noting that the quality of opposition, all of whom have already secured World Cup spots, will create a competitive environment that lower-stakes games cannot provide.
“That’s two high-profile games. They have all qualified for the World Cup, and it’s a good test for us as technical team and players. We look forward to those games. It can give us ideas about how we should prepare for the 2026 World Cup,” Dauda said.
Beyond results, Dauda stressed that the matches will allow coach Otto Addo and his technical staff to assess team cohesion, tactical flexibility, and individual performances under pressure,which are key factors in shaping the final squad and strategy ahead of the Mundial.
For the players, the friendlies also represent a chance to press their case for inclusion in Ghana’s World Cup squad, with places up for grabs and the stakes high for those on the fringes of selection.
Dauda expressed confidence that the insights drawn from the three fixtures would prove instrumental in sharpening Ghana’s approach and boosting their prospects of making a strong impression at the 2026 World Cup.
Source: 3news