Who do the Black Stars match up best against? Analysing ideal 2026 World Cup rivals

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw set to take place in Washington on Friday, there is growing interest in which opponents could give Ghana the best chance of advancing from the group stage.

The Black Stars are in Pot 4, but their energetic squad and strong qualifying campaign suggest they can compete if the draw falls their way.

A host nation in Pot 1 could suit Ghana’s style. Canada, Mexico or the United States are strong sides, yet they may not carry the same fear factor as Spain, France or Argentina. Ghana’s speed in transition and physical presence in midfield could hurt teams that like to dominate possession without leaving much defensive cover.

From Pot 2, some match-ups present a more balanced contest. Austria, Japan or the Republic of Korea rely on structure and teamwork rather than overwhelming individual stars. That allows Ghana to impose physicality and press higher up the pitch, an approach that brought success during qualifying. Avoiding South American teams like Uruguay or Colombia would reduce the risk of high-pressure duels decided by small mistakes.

Pot 3 carries a wide range of challenges, but there are winnable fixtures on paper. Panama, Scotland and Uzbekistan may give Ghana enough freedom to create chances, particularly if Mohammed Kudus and the attackers can find space between the lines. The pace of the Black Stars could stretch these sides, especially late in games.

While tournament experience remains limited in this young group, the right blend of opponents could allow Ghana to target a top-two finish or secure one of the best third-placed slots. The draw will indicate whether the route is manageable or filled with obstacles, but the belief within the camp is that the Black Stars can rise to the occasion against teams whose strengths align with Ghana’s own qualities.