GFA confirms Black Stars’ clash against Japan in Kirin Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars are set to take on Japan in the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup, a high-profile international friendly that will serve as a key preparatory fixture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both nations have already secured qualification for the global showpiece and will use the encounter to fine-tune their squads and tactics.
Japan sealed their World Cup spot earlier in March with a 2–0 victory over Bahrain, while Ghana confirmed their qualification last Sunday after edging Comoros 1–0 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The two teams will now meet in what promises to be a competitive warm-up match, offering an early glimpse of their readiness for next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, the match presents an opportunity to evaluate his squad and experiment with tactical options before finalizing his World Cup roster.
The Ghanaian tactician is expected to use the fixture to give game time to both established stars and emerging talents, as part of ongoing efforts to build depth and cohesion within the team.
The game will be played at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi, Japan, on Friday, November 14, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 19:30 local time (10:30 GMT).
The clash is expected to attract considerable attention from fans and analysts alike, as both sides continue their final preparations for football’s biggest stage.
