Desmond Ofei: Mexico friendly a key platform for Black Stars players to prove themselves

Black Stars assistant coach Desmond Ofei has described Ghana’s upcoming international friendly against Mexico as a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their quality ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The technical team, led by Carlos Queiroz, has named a 23-man squad for the encounter on May 22, which includes six home-based players as part of the wider preparations for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"This match represents more than just a game for us. It is an opportunity for these players to demonstrate the level of talent, character, discipline, and potential that exists within Ghanaian football," Ofei told Flashscore.

“We believe strongly in creating opportunities for players who are performing consistently and showing the right mentality," he added.

After the clash with Mexico, Ghana will round off their pre-World Cup preparations with another friendly against Wales on June 2.

The Black Stars are gearing up for their fifth appearance at the Mundial, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

The four-time African champions are aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010, having exited at the first round in both 2014 and 2022.