The year started disastrously for Ghana as they were dumped out of the Africa Cup of Nations after a shock defeat to Comoros left them bottom of the group.
Milovan Rajevac was swiftly sacked before a narrow play-off win over Nigeria earned the Black Stars a place in Qatar.
Revenge will be on the mind when they face Uruguay, 12 years on from Luis Suarez’s infamous handball in South Africa.
Here’s everything you need to know about Ghana…
Coach: Otto Addo. Had a spell as assistant at Borussia Dortmund before taking over the national side earlier this year.
Captain: Andre Ayew. He scored twice at the 2014 World Cup but was sent off in that Comoros defeat in January.
Star player: Thomas Partey. Crucial cog in the Arsenal and even more important for his country.
One to watch: Mohammed Kudus. Nine goals for Ajax this season, including a stunner at Anfield in the Champions League.
Odds to win: 250/1
World ranking: 61
Best thing about them: Options strengthened by Tariq Lamptey and Inaki Williams making themselves available.
Worst thing about them: Alarming AFCON collapse under pressure is still fresh in the mind.
Their prospects in three words: Early flight home
Fixtures (all times GMT)
November 24 vs Portugal (4pm)
November 28 vs South Korea (1pm)
December 2 vs Uruguay (3pm)
Squad in full
Goalkeepers: Manaf Nurudeen, Danlad Ibrahim, Lawrnce Ati Zigi
Defenders: Denis Odoi, Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu, Daniel Amartey, Joseph Aidoo, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul-Rahman Baba, Gideon Mensah
Midfielders: Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Salis Abdul Samed, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh
Forwards: Daniel Barnieh Afriyie, Kamal Sowah, Issahaku Abdul Fatawu, Osman Bukari, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana
