2026 World Cup: Three groups Ghana will want to avoid at the World Cup

As the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches in Washington, supporters in Ghana are already imagining the possible match-ups.

The Black Stars will enter the tournament ranked in Pot 4, which means they will face a top football nation no matter what. But certain combinations would make the road to the knockout stage a very steep climb.

A group led by Spain or France would be one of the most feared outcomes. Joining either of them with a strong European side from Pot 2, such as Switzerland or Austria, would create a very demanding environment. Europe is the only confederation allowed to place two teams in the same group, so this remains a realistic scenario that would leave Ghana fighting to keep pace against nations with deep tournament experience.

A group that features a South American powerhouse would also be a tough draw. Brazil and Argentina are both among the favourites for the title and bring a mix of individual brilliance and big-match know-how.

Uruguay and Colombia, who are also in Pot 2, play with intensity and experience that often trouble African sides. FIFA’s rules ensure Ghana would face only one South American opponent in the group, but even that single fixture could become a decisive hurdle in the race for qualification.

Then there is the prospect of meeting a host nation. Playing the United States or Mexico in front of large home crowds would require composure, energy and strong game management. If Norway arrive from Pot 3 in this type of group, their physical style and attacking threats would make the challenge even tougher.

Ghana will hope Friday’s draw offers a path they can manage with confidence. A difficult group is possible, but the belief within the squad is that they can compete, no matter who stands in the way.

2026 World Cup Pots ahead of the draw

Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany.

Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.

Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.

Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, four European play-off teams, two intercontinental play-off teams

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