Ghana's Black Stars extended their winless run to three consecutive defeats after falling 2-0 to Mexico in an international friendly in Puebla on Friday, as both sides continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The result follows a difficult March for Ghana, who were thrashed 5-1 by Austria before losing 2-1 to four-time World Cup winners Germany. Friday's display in Puebla did little to arrest the slide in form ahead of what promises to be a challenging World Cup group stage.

Early blow and a comfortable Mexican win

Mexico wasted no time in setting the tone, with Brian Gutiérrez finding the net inside 2 minutes to give the hosts an early advantage. Ghana steadied themselves and responded with some composure, yet Mexico remained in control throughout the first half and went into the break 1-0 ahead.

Any hope of a Ghana comeback was dampened when Guillermo Martínez doubled the lead in the 54th minute. Head coach Desmond Ofei turned to his bench, introducing Prince Amoako, Jerry Afriyie, and Razak Simpson in the 66th minute in place of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Daniel Agyei, and Felix Afena-Gyan.

Further changes followed, with Abdul Aziz Issah, Joseph Opoku, Salim Adams, and Solomon Agbasi replacing Majeed Ashimeru, Ibrahim Osman, Emmanuel Agyei, and Benjamin Asare. The substitutions gave Ghana a late spark, but Mexico defended their advantage to seal the win.

Ofei uses the occasion to assess his squad

The match served a broader purpose for Ofei, offering him a chance to assess his options and give fringe players a platform to impress with Ghana's final World Cup squad announcement approaching. Ghana lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Benjamin Asare in goal behind a back four of Jan Kwasi Gyamerah, Nathaniel Adjei, Oscar Oppong, and Terry Yegbe. Captain Majeed Ashimeru anchored midfield alongside Ibrahim Osman, Emmanuel Agyei, and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, while Daniel Agyei and Felix Afena-Gyan led the attack.

Road ahead: Wales and a tough World Cup group

Ghana's attention now turns to a friendly against Wales in Cardiff on 2 June 2026 before the tournament begins. The four-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, who recently appointed Carlos Queiroz following the departure of Otto Addo, are drawn in Group L alongside Panama, Croatia, and 1966 World Cup champions England.