Ghana’s quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take another crucial step at the Accra Sports Stadium. The venue has been confirmed for the Black Stars’ Matchday 5 qualifier against Chad, scheduled between March 17 and 25, 2025. With no alternative stadium nominated for inspection, Accra has reclaimed its status as Ghana’s primary football fortress.
The decision follows months of uncertainty over Ghana’s home venue. The Accra Sports Stadium last hosted a competitive match in November 2024, when the Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. After that setback, the National Sports Authority (NSA) closed the facility for urgent pitch rehabilitation, enlisting Green Grass Technology to restore its playing surface.
Now, three months later, the pitch has seen significant improvement. While Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspectors have not visited in person, they have remained in close contact with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports regarding the stadium’s condition.
Accra’s return as the Black Stars’ home ground follows CAF’s decision in September 2024 to withdraw approval for Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Technical issues, including an unsuitable pitch, led to its removal from the list of approved venues, despite previous warnings. The NSA swiftly redirected resources to Accra, ensuring it met CAF’s requirements in time for Ghana’s crucial qualifier against Sudan last year.
With Cape Coast Stadium also failing to meet CAF standards in 2022, Accra remains Ghana’s only FIFA and CAF approved stadium for Category A matches. As the Black Stars prepare for their World Cup qualifier, the hope is that home advantage will prove decisive in their push for a spot at the 2026 tournament.
