Ghana on verge of securing 2026 World Cup spot after scrappy Mali win in Accra

Ghana are on the brink of booking their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their 1-0 victory over Mali, which lifted the Black Stars to 19 points at the top of Group I.

A win against the Central African Republic in October would take Ghana to 22 points, a total that would guarantee qualification thanks to their superior head-to-head record over closest challengers, Madagascar.

The upcoming international window sees Comoros face Madagascar, while Mali take on Chad, leaving Ghana in full control of their destiny. Despite losing to Comoros in the first leg, Ghana’s consistent form and advantage over Madagascar in head-to-head meetings mean a win against CAR would secure qualification.

Ghana conclude their campaign at home against Comoros. Meanwhile, Madagascar meet Mali, and Chad take on the Central African Republic in the final round of fixtures. Even if Ghana were to lose against Comoros, a victory against CAR and Madagascar’s results would still leave the Black Stars safely through. If Comoros defeat Madagascar, they can reach only 18 points, leaving Ghana’s 22 points from a win over CAR unassailable.

Mali are effectively out of contention for the top spot and would only have a chance to qualify by finishing second, which would require navigating a rigorous playoff process.

With just two games remaining, Ghana need four points to mathematically ensure qualification, but a single victory over the Central African Republic would effectively seal their ticket to the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Otto Addo and his squad, the path is clear: one win and the Black Stars are back on football’s biggest stage.