Full Breakdown
Wales Host Ghana in 150th Anniversary Friendly
6/2/2026, 10:22:55 PM
150th Anniversary Friendly
On 2 June 2026, Wales hosted Ghana at the Cardiff City Stadium for a 2026 World Cup warm-up. The match marks the FAW’s 150th anniversary, its 730th official game and the first time Wales has faced an African side.
Background
Wales missed the World Cup after a penalty-shootout loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina, leaving a historically poor June record. Recent friendlies ended 1-1 with Northern Ireland and a 1-1 (pens) defeat to Bosnia. Ghana qualified with an 8-1-1 record but entered on a five-match losing streak, after defeats to Japan, South Korea, Austria, Germany and Mexico. Ghana’s World Cup group includes England, Croatia and Panama.
Key Figures
Wales, managed by Craig Bellamy, will field returning centre-backs Connor Roberts, Chris Mepham and Ben Davies while testing younger players. Ghana, coached by Carlos Queiroz, aims to finalise a 26-man squad, test defensive setups and decide the final cut.
Data
The FAW celebrates 150 years; this is Wales’ 730th match and first against an African nation. Wales’ results are a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland and a 1-1 (pens) loss to Bosnia. Ghana qualified 8-1-1 but has lost five friendlies. World Cup group features England, Croatia and Panama.
Official Statements
Bellamy warned June fixtures must be treated like competitive matches and rejected any “wind-down” approach, insisting the side must improve its seasonal record. Queiroz, on his first Wales visit, said the friendly will test defensive setups and trim the provisional squad to the required 26 players before the World Cup.
Opposition
Ghana, backed by its World Cup qualification and a forward line featuring Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Inaki Williams, is the betting favorite. Wales must cope with the loss of Harry Wilson and the return of Ben Davies and Connor Roberts, prompting critics to question the team’s motivation after a playoff exit. Ghana must break its five-game losing streak.
Quotes
- “When I look at our record in June, June friendlies or June competitive games, it’s nowhere near good enough.” — Craig Bellamy, Wales manager
- “If you think you’re coming here to wind down, you’re wrong. If you think, as an association, you can cut corners because they’re only two friendlies, you’re wrong.” — Craig Bellamy
- “They're two very, very different challenges, but challenges that can really help us improve because I see big improvements in the team.” — Craig Bellamy
- “There is no shape he’s going to be able to play that we haven’t played against, so we definitely have the solutions.” — Craig Bellamy
Next Steps
Wales travel to Bucharest for a friendly against Romania on 6 June before entering UEFA Nations League A, where they will face Portugal, Norway and Denmark. Ghana’s final preparation ends with the Cardiff match before departing for the United States, opening Group L against England on 21 June.