The Ghana national football team has officially unveiled its final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Carlos Queiroz placing his faith in a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents as the Black Stars prepare for football’s biggest stage.
The announcement marks a crucial milestone in Ghana’s preparations for the tournament in North America, where the Black Stars will seek to make a significant impact against some of the world’s best football nations.
Injury Blow Forces Late Change
One of the biggest talking points from the final selection is the absence of vice-captain Alexander Djiku, who misses the tournament through injury. His withdrawal opened the door for defender Derrick Luckassen, who has been handed a place in the squad.
The final list also saw goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi omitted from the provisional squad as Queiroz trimmed his team to meet FIFA’s 26-player requirement.
Experienced Core Leads Ghana’s Ambitions
Captain Jordan Ayew will spearhead Ghana’s campaign alongside a strong attacking unit that includes Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Prince Kwabena Adu.
In midfield, the Black Stars will rely heavily on the experience and leadership of Thomas Partey, while Kamaldeen Sulemana, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, and Caleb Yirenkyi provide creativity and energy in the middle of the park.
Baba Rahman Returns
A notable inclusion is Baba Abdul Rahman, who returns to the national team setup after impressing at club level. The experienced left-back strengthens a defensive department that also features Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Marvin Senaya, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Preprah, and Derrick Luckassen.
Goalkeeping Department Settled
Queiroz has selected Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Joseph Anang as his goalkeeping options for the tournament. The trio will compete for the starting role as Ghana seeks defensive stability in a challenging group-stage campaign.
Black Stars Eye Strong World Cup Run
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at the global tournament. The Black Stars carry a proud World Cup history, highlighted by their memorable quarter-final run in 2010, and supporters will be hoping this squad can write another historic chapter.
With a balanced mix of youth, pace, technical quality, and international experience, expectations are high as Carlos Queiroz leads Ghana into the tournament. The squad now turns its attention to final preparations before beginning its World Cup journey against Panama, followed by crucial group-stage clashes against England and Croatia.
Ghana’s Final 26-Man Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers
- Benjamin Asare
- Lawrence Ati-Zigi
- Joseph Anang
Defenders
- Baba Abdul Rahman
- Gideon Mensah
- Marvin Senaya
- Alidu Seidu
- Abdul Mumin
- Jerome Opoku
- Jonas Adjetey
- Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Preprah
- Derrick Luckassen
Midfielders
- Thomas Partey
- Elisha Owusu
- Kwasi Sibo
- Augustine Boakye
- Caleb Yirenkyi
- Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
- Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards
- Jordan Ayew
- Antoine Semenyo
- Inaki Williams
- Ernest Nuamah
- Christopher Bonsu Baah
- Brandon Thomas-Asante
- Prince Kwabena Adu
