Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum says the Black Stars’ international friendly against Wales will offer a crucial preview of the tactical and physical demands they are likely to face when they meet England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at the Cardiff City Stadium, and forms part of Ghana’s final preparations for the tournament in North America, which kicks off later this month.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Asante Twum noted that Wales’ playing style shares similarities with England, making the fixture a useful benchmark ahead of Ghana’s Group L encounter with the Three Lions.
Although Wales did not qualify for the World Cup—falling short in the playoffs after a defeat to Montenegro—he insisted the team still offers a strong test for coach Carlos Queiroz and his squad.
“They’re playing a team that did not qualify for the World Cup, but obviously just to have a fair sense of what England will come up with,” he said.
“At the time we announced the Wales friendly, they were in the playoffs. Unfortunately, they didn’t go. They lost to Montenegro, and Montenegro went on to qualify at the expense of Italy. They also give us an idea of what to expect from England because Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland have similarities. They give us a fair idea of what to expect from the Lions.”
He added that the fixture will also help the technical team assess players in different tactical roles as Queiroz finalises his squad and system for the tournament.
According to him, versatility played a major role in squad selection, with emphasis placed on players capable of adapting across multiple positions and game scenarios.
“It also gives him the opportunity to look at players in different positions,” he explained.
“One of the things that went into coming up with this squad was seeing players in multifaceted positions. Players who can function in different areas, different patterns of play in attack, defence and midfield. Players who can play in different roles, different setups, different team structures and different team chemistry.”
With the World Cup fast approaching, Asante Twum believes the encounter will serve as an important competitive test before Ghana heads to North America.
“We expect Wales to give us a very good test,” he added.
Ghana, making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
The Black Stars begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium, and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
Ghana will be aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Source: adomonline.com
