2026 World Cup draw: The Black Stars’ ideal group

World Cup draw: The Black Stars’ ideal group (TOP L-R) Ghana’s forward #09 Jor2026dan Ayew, Ghana’s forward #19 Inaki Williams, Ghana’s defender #18 Daniel Amartey, Ghana’s goalkeeper #01 Lawrence Ati Zigi, Ghana’s defender #17 Abdul Rahman Baba, Ghana’s defender #04 Mohammed Salisu (BOTTOM L-R) Ghana’s midfielder #05 Thomas Partey, Ghana’s midfielder #20 Mohammed Kudus, Ghana’s midfielder #21 Salis Abdul Samed, Ghana’s midfielder #10 Andre Ayew and Ghana’s defender #26 Alidu Seidu pose ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H football match between Ghana and Uruguay at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on December 2, 2022. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

In just a few hours, Ghana will discover their fate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, scheduled for Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Placed in Pot 4, which contains the lowest-ranked qualified teams, the Black Stars are almost certain to land in a challenging group. Yet, history shows they have repeatedly risen to the moment—reaching the Round of 16 in 2006 and famously advancing to the quarter-finals in 2010.

This year’s World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, offers an expanded path to the knockouts. Eight of the best third-placed teams will progress to a newly introduced Round of 32, slightly widening the margin for survival.

For Ghana to recreate the magic of 2010—or even surpass it—they will need a favourable draw, one that provides competitive but manageable opponents from Pots 1, 2, and 3.

Under FIFA’s draw rules, no group can contain more than one team from the same confederation, except UEFA, which has 16 teams. Each group must feature at least one European side but no more than two.

Here is a breakdown of the teams Ghana could match up well against.

Pot 1: Canada the Most Favourable Option

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Pot 1 contains the tournament heavyweights, alongside co-hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina, France, Brazil, and England headline this elite group—teams few would want to face at the group stage.

Among them, Canada stands out as Ghana’s best possible draw. Ranked 27th in the world—the lowest among Pot 1 sides—Canada will be appearing at only their third World Cup, two fewer than the Black Stars. While they boast top-tier talents like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, their recent form suggests vulnerability.

In their last 10 matches, Canada recorded five wins, three draws, and two defeats, including a penalty shootout loss to Guatemala in the Gold Cup quarter-finals.

They are strong—but beatable. On a good day, Ghana can match them stride for stride.

Pot 2: Uruguay Offers a Chance for Redemption

Pot 2 is notoriously tricky, filled with teams capable of deep tournament runs. Croatia, Colombia, Switzerland, Japan, and Uruguay populate a group known for consistency and tactical discipline.

For Ghana, Uruguay may be the most intriguing—and surprisingly favourable—matchup. The rivalry needs no introduction. Uruguay denied Ghana a historic semi-final berth at the 2010 World Cup, with Luis Suárez’s infamous handball still etched in Ghanaian memory.

The South Americans repeated their dominance in 2022 with a 2–0 victory over the Black Stars. This potential rematch presents Ghana a rare chance at sporting revenge, and perhaps, a psychological edge. With both nations in transition, the contest could tilt either way—but Ghana would relish the challenge.

Pot 3: Uzbekistan the Most Manageable Opponent

Pot 3 features competitive but beatable sides. Norway, despite boasting Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, have not reached a World Cup in decades. Panama, Scotland, Paraguay, and several African teams complete the mix. (CAF teams cannot be drawn with Ghana.)

Among the available teams, Uzbekistan stands as Ghana’s most favourable matchup. A World Cup debutant, Uzbekistan enter the tournament with optimism but no experience at this level. For many first-timers, the World Cup proves overwhelming, often resulting in an early exit.

While debutants occasionally spring surprises, Ghana would be confident of securing a crucial three points against them.

Conclusion: Ghana’s Dream Group?

If every ideal scenario falls Ghana’s way, the Black Stars’ most favourable group could look like this:

Group B

Canada (CONCACAF)

Uruguay (CONMEBOL)

Uzbekistan (AFC)

Ghana (CAF)

A group with history, balance, manageable challenges, and opportunities for redemption—exactly the type Ghana would welcome as they embark on another World Cup journey.