Mexico friendly a perfect opportunity for players to showcase themselves - Black Stars assistant coach Desmond Ofei

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

The technical team, led by Carlos Queiroz, has named a 23-man squad that includes six home-based players for the encounter scheduled for May 22 against the South American opponents.

Speaking to Flashscore, Ofei stressed that the match goes beyond preparation, highlighting its importance for individual assessment and team development.

“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,” he said.

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

After facing Mexico, Ghana will wrap up their pre-tournament preparations with another friendly against Wales on June 2.

The fixtures form part of the Black Stars’ build-up to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the global tournament.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before meeting England on June 23 and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

The team is targeting a historic breakthrough into the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, having exited at the group stage in both 2014 and 2022.