Mexico is currently plagued by violence, chaos and unrest in the capital, reportedly involving drug cartel members following the killing of one of their leaders, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, who was the boss of the Jalisco Cartel, raising concerns of safety particularly of fans and tourists.

This is because this year’s global football tournament, FIFA World Cup, is set to be hosted in three countries, USA, Canada and Mexico.

The tournament is scheduled to start in June and the first match will be played in Mexico, at the country’s historic Estadio Azteca.

Ahead of that, Ghana is scheduled to face Mexico in a friendly on Friday, May 22. Although it has been confirmed the game will be played in Mexico, the exact venue is yet to be announced.

Reacting to these concerns,Senior Communications Manager of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Sheikh Tophic Abdul-Kadir Sienu, revealed that alternative plans are in place should the Black Stars’ friendly against Mexico national football team be cancelled.

Speaking on The Arena on Woezor TV, Sienu said the GFA is prepared to adjust its plans if necessary.

“Certainly, and that is why when budget items are being picked and discussed, it becomes a bit awkward because it is a budget and it has not been approved,” he said.

He added that discussions surrounding budgets for upcoming fixtures are ongoing, with official approvals still pending.

“We have planned to play against Mexico, but certainly we have options. In case the Mexico friendly does not happen, other teams will be considered. It is all part of preparations toward the World Cup,” Sienu stated.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, is expected to release the final squad list for the 2026 World Cup in June next year.

This was confirmed by the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, in an interview with Accra-based radio station Asempa FM on December 15. He explained that all qualified nations are required by FIFA to announce their provisional squads on April 11, 2026, with final lists due before midnight on June 1, 2026.

“All qualified teams, including the Black Stars of Ghana, are mandated by FIFA to announce their provisional squad on April 11, 2026. The final squads for the tournament must be announced before midnight on June 1, 2026,” he said.

He added that players performing well both domestically and abroad will be considered for selection.

“Every Ghanaian player with a strong performance is closely monitored by the technical team, and regardless of where they play, they will be given a call-up,” Asante Twum noted.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia following the draw held at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was attended by high-profile figures including President Donald Trump, entertainers Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, as well as sports icons Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand and Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston. They will conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, despite being placed in a challenging Group L.

“It’s a tricky group. We will do our possible best to qualify from the group stage,” Gyan, who remains Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer, said.

Gyan, who represented Ghana at three World Cups from 2006 to 2014, has six goals in the competition, making him the continent’s top scorer in World Cup history.

One of the many concerns that has been expressed after Ghana fell in Group L following the group draw is the Black Stars’ falling in the same group (Group L) with England.

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo himself affirmed that among the 3 other teams, England remains the favourite. However, he added that, while that has been affirmed, he wouldn’t recommend that any of the other opponents, that is, Croatia and Panama, be underestimated

During a media engagement, Addo emphasised the importance of consistency and concentration.

“I look forward to every game as special. It is very important for us that we don’t underrate any team. For sure, England is the favourite in that group, but as a coach, I’m looking at every game equally.”

Addo highlighted Ghana’s opening match against Panama as a crucial opportunity to gain momentum.

“I’m hoping that we have a good start against Panama, which will be very, very crucial. A strong start will make the other games a little easier psychologically. We will use the March window for test matches and then assess where we are,” he noted.

Referring to the team’s stunning performance during the qualifiers and its preparations so far, Otto Addo mentioned that, “We did very well in the qualifiers. We didn’t lose a single official game, one draw, and the rest wins. It was a good year in 2025 after a difficult 2024,” he said, commending his squad for the union in the squad so far.

He also commended the unity within the squad. “Even though we have a very young team, we did really well. There was good harmony and good union.”