Ghana name squad for 2026 World Cup as Ayew misses out

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has announced the 26-man squad that will represent the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Black Stars preparing for their fifth appearance at football’s premier international tournament.

The Portuguese coach unveiled a group that combines seasoned internationals with a number of emerging talents, as Ghana aims to make a strong impression at the competition being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Among those selected are goalkeepers Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati Zigi and Joseph Anang, who will provide Ghana’s options between the posts during the tournament.

The defensive contingent features several players with significant international experience, including Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu and Abdul Mumin. They are joined by newcomers Marvin Senaya, Kojo Oppong and Derrick Luckassen, all of whom have secured places in the final squad as Queiroz looks to strengthen his options at the back.

In midfield, deputy captain Thomas Partey is among the most prominent names included. He will be joined by Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye and Caleb Yirenkyi as Ghana seeks to establish control in the centre of the pitch.

The squad also includes Kamaldeen Sulemana and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku among the midfield selections, offering additional attacking threat and creativity as the Black Stars prepare for the challenges ahead.

Ghana’s forward line contains a number of players expected to play key roles during the tournament. Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah, Inaki Williams and captain Jordan Ayew headline the attacking options named by Queiroz.

Christopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Prince Kwabena Adu have also been selected, completing an attacking unit that the coach hopes will provide the pace, imagination and goals required to compete against some of the world’s strongest teams.

The Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign on 17 June when they face Panama at BMO Field in Toronto. The opening fixture will provide Ghana with an opportunity to make a positive start in a group that also includes England and Croatia.

A meeting with England in Boston on 23 June is expected to be one of the standout matches of Ghana’s group-stage schedule. The Black Stars will then complete their first-round campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June.

With anticipation growing among supporters, attention will now turn to preparations for the tournament as Queiroz and his players seek to progress beyond the group stage.

The squad announcement signals the beginning of Ghana’s latest World Cup journey, with the nation hoping that a carefully assembled blend of experience and youth can deliver success on football’s biggest stage.

As the tournament approaches, expectations remain high that the Black Stars can produce memorable performances in North America and make a significant impact against some of the world’s leading football nations.

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Andrews Sefa Bamfo
Andrews Sefa Bamfo is a promising young football writer and reporter, recognised as one of the rising talents in African football journalism. He specialises in match reporting, features and on-ground coverage, bringing fresh perspective and energy to the industry.He is educated at the University of Ghana and has gained valuable experience working with one of Ghana’s leading media organisations, TV3, where he developed his skills in both television reporting and football journalism.Andrews’ talent and potential were further recognised when he was selected for the prestigious CAF Young Reporters Programme, where he received advanced media training in partnership with CANAL+. This exposure has helped shape his understanding of modern sports journalism and storytelling.Since then, he has continued to grow in the field and is widely regarded as one of the emerging voices in African football media. He is currently a Staff Writer at African.Football, contributing to the platform’s coverage with insightful reports and engaging content for a global audience.

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