Ghana’s Winless Run Stretches to Seven Games and Nine Months Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Ghana’s troubled pre-tournament preparations took another hit on Tuesday after the Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales at Cardiff City Stadium, leaving new head coach Carlos Queiroz yet to record a victory in charge and extending the side’s winless run to seven consecutive matches.

Substitute Caleb Yirenkyi opened the scoring to give Ghana a lead that appeared set to end a drought stretching back to October 2025, when the Black Stars last tasted victory — a 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Comoros. That nine-month wait for a win, however, was prolonged by a late header from Lewis Koumas, which secured a point for Wales deep into stoppage time.

Wales dominated significant spells of the encounter but were kept at bay by a disciplined Ghana defensive effort for much of the contest. It was only in injury time that Koumas found the equaliser, denying Queiroz what would have been a confidence-boosting result ahead of the tournament.

The match served as Ghana’s final warm-up fixture before the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup gets under way in North America. The Black Stars will compete in Group L, which presents a significant challenge given their current run of form. Ghana open their campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia — opponents that will demand considerably more than what the side has produced across their last seven outings.

Queiroz, a former manager at Manchester United, now heads into the tournament under mounting pressure, with questions surrounding his squad’s attacking efficiency and their ability to hold leads in the closing stages of matches. The concession of a stoppage-time goal against a Wales side not participating in the World Cup will do little to ease concerns.

Ghana will also be without Mohammed Kudus for the tournament, a significant absence given the West Ham United midfielder’s importance to the team’s creative play. His unavailability further limits Queiroz’s options as he attempts to arrest a prolonged dip in results.

For Wales, the late equaliser offered some consolation, though the nation is similarly absent from the World Cup and using the friendly period to evaluate their own squad depth and tactical direction.

Ghana’s record over the past nine months reflects a side in transition. The appointment of Queiroz was intended to provide stability and experience at the helm, but with seven matches played and no wins to show, the pressure on the Portuguese coach has intensified at the worst possible time. The Black Stars’ performance in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could define the direction of Ghanaian football for the cycle ahead.