Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an unexpected setback after Honduras reportedly withdrew from a planned international friendly that was expected to serve as the Black Stars’ final tune up match before the tournament.
The friendly had been widely reported by several Ghanaian sports outlets in recent days and was expected to take place on June 9 behind closed doors as part of Ghana’s final preparations before travelling to Canada for the World Cup.
However, reports emerging on Saturday indicate that Honduras have pulled out of the arrangement, leaving the Ghana Football Association scrambling to find an alternative opponent just days before the Black Stars begin their World Cup campaign. The exact reason behind Honduras’ withdrawal has not yet been made public.
The development comes at a crucial stage of Ghana’s preparations. The Black Stars are coming off a dramatic 1-1 draw against Wales in Cardiff, a match that marked the first game under newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz. Ghana appeared destined for victory after substitute Caleb Yirenkyi gave the team the lead in the second half, only for Wales to equalise in stoppage time through Lewis Koumas.
The Wales encounter was viewed as an important test for Queiroz as he assessed his squad ahead of the World Cup. Ghana have endured a difficult run of form in friendly matches, and the Portuguese tactician had hoped to use the Honduras fixture to further improve tactical cohesion and evaluate his final options before the tournament begins.
Reports earlier this week suggested the Honduras match had been arranged after Ghana abandoned plans to play Jamaica. The proposed game against the Central American nation was expected to be held away from public view, allowing the technical team to experiment with formations and strategies without revealing too much to upcoming World Cup opponents.
Ghana enter the World Cup facing significant challenges. The Black Stars were already forced to adjust their squad following injuries to several key players. Midfielder Mohammed Kudus was ruled out after failing to recover from a long term thigh injury, while defender Mohammed Salisu also missed selection after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier in the year. Centre back Alexander Djiku was another late casualty after picking up an injury during training camp.
Despite those setbacks, Queiroz has assembled a squad blending experienced internationals such as Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams with younger talents including Caleb Yirenkyi and Christopher Bonsu Baah. The return of Baba Abdul Rahman after a lengthy absence also added experience to the team.
Ghana have been drawn in a difficult Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before facing England and Croatia in what many analysts consider one of the toughest groups in the competition.
The uncertainty surrounding the final friendly is therefore far from ideal. Coaches generally rely on these last preparatory matches to build chemistry, improve match fitness and fine tune tactical systems before entering a major tournament.
At the moment, neither the Ghana Football Association nor the Honduras Football Federation has issued an official statement explaining the reported withdrawal. It also remains unclear whether Ghana will secure another opponent at short notice or proceed directly into their final training camp before facing Panama.
For Queiroz and his players, the focus will remain on ensuring the team is fully prepared for football’s biggest stage. Yet with the World Cup only days away, the sudden collapse of the Honduras fixture represents an unwelcome disruption to Ghana’s carefully planned preparations.
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