How Ghana can reach the knockout phase under the new tournament format of the 2026 World Cup
Ghana will discover their group opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday in Washington, the moment that will map out their path in a tournament unlike any previous edition.
The expanded 48-team format introduces 12 groups of four and a new knockout round featuring 32 nations. For the Black Stars, the structure offers both opportunity and danger.
Ghana return to the World Cup with momentum from a strong qualifying campaign in which they lost only once. The team’s failure to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations remains a fresh warning, but sealing a World Cup ticket has eased pressure and revived ambition. The attention now turns to what it will take to progress in North America next summer.
The new format rewards consistency rather than perfection. The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the knockout stage, and they will be joined by the eight best third-placed nations. That safety net means that four or even three points could prove enough if results elsewhere prove favourable. It also places more importance on every moment, as goal difference may decide who continues and who goes home.
The identity of Ghana’s opponents will heavily influence their route forward. Placed in Pot 4, they are guaranteed to face a top-ranked nation from Pot 1. Avoiding Spain, Argentina, France, or England would be ideal. A group involving one of the co-hosts could offer a more level contest. Pot 2 features organised and experienced sides such as Switzerland or Japan, while Pot 3 holds unpredictable challenges. A pairing with Panama, Scotland or Uzbekistan would improve Ghana’s chances, whereas Norway would heighten the difficulty.
Squad depth will be crucial as teams travel long distances across three host countries and manage fitness over a demanding schedule. Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey are expected to guide a youthful squad that has pace and energy but limited major-tournament experience.
Friday’s draw will reveal the scale of the challenge. Ghana may be seeded among the underdogs, but the expanded format provides a real opportunity to return to the knockout rounds, where new history can be written.
