Mexico will give Black Stars the needed test ahead of World Cup - Assistant coach Desmond Ofei

Black Stars assistant coach Desmond Ofei believes Ghana’s upcoming international friendly against Mexico will provide the ideal preparation test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana will face the North American side on May 22 as part of their build-up to the global tournament scheduled to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking to Flashscore, Ofei stressed the importance of the fixture in assessing the team’s progress and readiness against elite opposition.

"Mexico is a top-level opponent with a strong football culture, great intensity, and international experience, so this will be an important test for our group," he said.

"These are the types of matches that help players grow, help coaches evaluate, and help a nation continue building for the future," Ofei added.

The fixture is one of two key preparatory matches for the Black Stars, who will also face Wales on June 2 as they fine-tune their squad ahead of the tournament.

Ghana, four-time African champions, will compete at the 2026 World Cup in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. Their campaign will begin on June 17 against Panama, before a heavyweight clash with England on June 23, and a final group match against Croatia on June 27.

The Black Stars are targeting a return to the knockout stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010, having exited at the group stage in both 2014 and 2022.