Black Stars to face Austria in International friendly ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Austria and Ghana are set to compete in an international friendly match at Vienna’s esteemed Ernst Happel Stadium, as both nations refine their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
This high-profile encounter forms part of a meticulously planned buildup for the two qualified nations as they seek to assess squad depth, tactical shape, and overall readiness ahead of football’s biggest global showpiece.
With qualification already secured, the friendly offers a valuable opportunity for both technical teams to test combinations against quality opposition in a competitive environment.
Ghana’s Black Stars head into the match with confidence after being drawn into Group I alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The group presents a stern test, making preparatory fixtures against strong European sides crucial for sharpening the team’s competitive edge.
Austria, meanwhile, have been placed in Group J, where they will face reigning world champions Argentina, as well as Algeria and Jordan. The friendly against Austria is one of two scheduled matches for Ghana during the March international window.
Following the Vienna showdown, the Black Stars will travel to face Germany on Monday, March 30, 2026, in what promises to be another demanding test against elite opposition. The Austria clash is slated for Friday, March 27, 2026, with kickoff set for 17:00 GMT.
Looking ahead to the tournament itself, Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, in Toronto.
That fixture will be followed by a heavyweight clash with England in Boston on June 23, before wrapping up the group stage against Croatia on June 27, 2026.
With the countdown to the World Cup well underway, the friendly against Austria represents a key milestone in Ghana’s preparations, offering a platform to build momentum, refine strategies, and strengthen belief ahead of the global stage.
