Ghana to play Asian football friendlies with Japan and South Korea
Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus in action with South Korea’s Jeong Woo-yeong and Jung Woo-young at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group H – South Korea v Ghana – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar / © Kim Hong-Ji / Reuters
Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, is gearing up for two high-profile international friendly matches against Asian football giants Japan and South Korea in November 2025, to strengthen their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Black Stars will first take on Japan on November 14, 2025, in Toyota, Japan, as part of the prestigious Kirin Challenge Cup. Japan, a consistent World Cup participant and one of Asia’s football powerhouses, has already secured qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Known for their disciplined, high-tempo, and technically proficient style of play, the Samurai Blue will provide a stern challenge for Ghana. This play-off will be a test for Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, to assess his squad against a team renowned for its tactics.
Three days later, on November 17, Ghana will travel to Seoul to face South Korea in another high-stakes friendly. The Taeguk Warriors, who have qualified for every World Cup since 1986, are known for their relentless energy and dynamic attacking play, led by stars like Son Heung-min.
Ghana and South Korea recently faced off during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In the Group H match on November 28, Ghana emerged victorious with a 3-2 win. Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring, followed by two goals from Mohammed Kudus.
South Korea fought back with two goals from Cho Gue-sung, but Ghana held firm to secure the victory. The Black Stars’ last encounter with Japan was on June 10, 2018, during a friendly match in Yokohama as part of the Kirin Challenge Cup.
Ghana dominated the game, defeating Japan 2-0 with goals. Thomas Partey opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick in the 9th minute. Emmanuel Boateng sealed the win from the penalty spot in the 51st minute.
Both Japan and South Korea have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and are expected to parade full-strength squads, offering Ghana a test ahead of next year’s global competitions. Ghana has also qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their fifth appearance at the tournament.
The Black Stars secured their spot with a 1-0 victory over Comoros on October 12, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium. Mohammed Kudus scored the decisive goal in the 47th minute, assisted by Thomas Partey. Ghana finished top of Group I with 25 points, confirming their qualification for the World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Written by Oral Ofori
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
