Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association, has confirmed that Ghana’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be announced on 1 June, ending weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Black Stars’ preparations for the tournament.
The Ghana Football Association president made the announcement following Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in an international friendly, a result that intensified discussion among supporters about the team’s readiness ahead of the global competition.
Speculation had grown in recent weeks after delays in the release of both the provisional and final squad lists, with fans and pundits expressing concern over the lack of official communication from the federation.
Okraku sought to reassure supporters after the loss to Mexico and called on the country to continue backing the national side as preparations continue.
“The announcement of the World Cup squad is scheduled for June 1. Let’s continue to support our players together,” he declared.
The friendly against Mexico provided Ghana’s coaching staff with an opportunity to assess several players before finalising the squad for the tournament.
A number of locally based players featured in the match, alongside experienced members of the national team who had not played regularly in recent months.
The fixture also took place without newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz on the touchline. Instead, assistant coach Desmond Ofei oversaw the team during the encounter.
Queiroz, who has taken charge of the Black Stars ahead of the World Cup, is expected to be involved in Ghana’s next preparatory fixture when the team face Wales national football team on 2 June.
That match will come just one day after the official squad announcement and is expected to serve as Ghana’s final warm-up game before the start of the tournament.
The Black Stars face a difficult task at the World Cup after being drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
Ghana will open their campaign on 17 June against Panama, with the team hoping to begin the competition strongly and improve their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
The upcoming squad announcement is expected to provide clarity on the players selected to represent Ghana at the tournament, particularly after the technical staff used recent friendlies to evaluate both established internationals and emerging options.
Attention will now turn to the final stages of preparation as Ghana attempt to build momentum before facing a challenging group at one of football’s biggest events.
Despite concerns following the defeat to Mexico, the Ghana Football Association has urged supporters to remain united behind the national team as the countdown to the World Cup continues.
