By Collins Sarkodieh 
FC Barcelona Atlètic stars Abdul Aziz Issah and David Oduro are reportedly on the verge of receiving senior national team call-ups for Ghana’s high-profile international friendly against Mexico on May 22, 2026. These selections are part of head coach Carlos Queiroz’s strategy to integrate high-potential youth talent into the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The inclusion of these Catalan-based youngsters signifies a major shift in Ghana’s recruitment strategy, focusing on technical proficiency developed in elite European academies. Aziz Issah has been a standout performer under coach Juliano Belletti at Barça B, contributing four goals this season and securing a consistent starting role. Meanwhile, David Oduro, despite a recent injury layoff, is highly regarded for his defensive versatility and is expected to provide much-needed depth to the Ghanaian backline. The match against Mexico serves as a vital litmus test for these players as Ghana prepares for a challenging World Cup Group L featuring England, Croatia, and Panama.
Why are Aziz Issah and David Oduro being called up now?
The primary reason for their inclusion is their consistent performance at FC Barcelona Atlètic and the immediate need for tactical flexibility ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlos Queiroz is looking to blend the experience of veteran stars with the modern, possession-based style that Issah and Oduro practice daily in Spain.
According to reports from the Spanish outlet SPORT, their participation depends on the promotion playoff status of Barcelona Atlètic. If the club enters the playoffs, they may block the release of these players to protect their own promotion ambitions. However, for the Black Stars, the Mexico friendly is the ideal environment to see if Aziz Issah’s creative spark and Oduro’s defensive discipline can translate to the international stage. Aziz already has a taste of the national team from a brief stint in 2025, but for Oduro, this represents a career-defining maiden invitation.
What is Aziz Issah’s current form and status at Barcelona?
Aziz Issah is currently in the second year of his loan spell at Barcelona and has become a pivotal figure in the reserve team’s midfield. With four goals and several assists to his name this season, his ability to transition play quickly has caught the attention of both Carlos Queiroz and several European clubs interested in a permanent transfer.
Issah’s development under Juliano Belletti has focused on his spatial awareness and decision-making in the final third. Unlike many traditional Ghanaian wingers who rely solely on pace, Aziz has developed a “Barcelona-style” patience, waiting for the right moment to penetrate defensive lines. This tactical maturity is exactly what Ghana needs to break down disciplined European defenses like England and Croatia. His previous experience during the Unity Cup in the UK against Trinidad and Tobago provided a glimpse of his potential, but 2026 is expected to be his true breakout year.
How does David Oduro fit into the Black Stars defensive plans?
David Oduro is viewed as a long-term solution for Ghana’s defensive transitions, offering a rare combination of physical strength and the technical ability to play out from the back. Although he is currently working his way back from a minor injury, his contract with Barcelona until 2027 shows the club’s long-term faith in his abilities.
Coach Queiroz’s defensive philosophy requires fullbacks and center-backs who are comfortable on the ball under pressure. Oduro has spent his formative years at La Masia and with the B team learning how to maintain composure in tight spaces. In a World Cup group where Ghana will likely face high-pressing teams like England, having a defender like Oduro who can bypass the first line of pressure is a massive tactical advantage. This call-up for the Mexico friendly is essentially a “final audition” to secure his spot on the plane to North America this June.
Also Read: Andre Ayew and the Black Stars World Cup 2026 Squad: Will Queiroz Make the Cut?
What is Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule and group?
The Black Stars have been drawn into Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia. This group is widely considered one of the most competitive in the tournament, requiring Ghana to be at their absolute tactical peak from the opening whistle.
- June 17, 2026: Ghana vs. Panama (Opening Match)
- June 23, 2026: Ghana vs. England (The “Big One”)
- June 27, 2026: Ghana vs. Croatia (Final Group Game)
The Mexico friendly on May 22 is strategically timed to mimic the intensity and style of play Ghana will encounter in North America. Mexico’s quick passing and high-altitude conditioning will provide the perfect preparation for the Black Stars. Carlos Queiroz, known for his defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess, will use this game to finalize his 26-man roster. For Issah and Oduro, performing well against El Tri could mean the difference between watching the World Cup from the couch or playing against some of the best players on the planet.
How has Carlos Queiroz changed the Black Stars’ approach?
Since taking over the coaching reins, Carlos Queiroz has moved away from the “individual brilliance” model to a more structured, team-oriented system. His focus on youth integration, exemplified by the pursuit of Issah and Oduro, suggests he is building a team that can compete over the long 90 minutes rather than relying on moments of magic.
Queiroz has a history of taking “underdog” nations and making them incredibly difficult to beat in tournament football. By calling up players from the Barcelona system, he is adding a layer of tactical intelligence to the squad. The logic is that players who understand complex positional play will be better equipped to handle the tactical variations presented by England’s Gareth Southgate or Croatia’s Zlatko Dalić. The Mexico friendly will be the first time we see this “New Ghana” in its near-final form.
Factual Insights for Ghana’s World Cup Preparation:
- Barcelona Influence: Aziz Issah and David Oduro are the first duo from Barcelona’s reserve team to be called up simultaneously to the Black Stars.
- Venue Fact: The friendly against Mexico is part of a series of games held in the United States to acclimate players to the summer climate and time zones of the 2026 World Cup.
- Group L Complexity: Ghana’s group contains two previous World Cup semi-finalists (England and Croatia), making it a “Group of Death” contender.
- Aziz’s Goal Count: Abdul Aziz Issah has 4 goals in the current Spanish 1a RFEF (Third Tier) season, a high return for a wide midfielder.
- Contractual Security: David Oduro’s contract runs until 2027, protecting his market value regardless of his World Cup performance.
- Coach Pedigree: Carlos Queiroz is one of the few managers to have coached at four different World Cups with four different nations (South Africa, Portugal, Iran, and Egypt/Colombia).
- Historical Context: Ghana is aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their legendary 2010 run in South Africa.
What are the risks of including such young players in a World Cup squad?
The primary risk is the “experience gap” that can lead to nerves or mistakes in high-pressure situations, especially against seasoned opponents like Harry Kane or Luka Modrić. However, the logic among Ghanaian football analysts is that the energy and fearlessness of youth often outweigh the benefits of aging experience that may no longer have the legs for a summer tournament.
By exposing Issah and Oduro to a high-intensity friendly against Mexico, Queiroz is “de-risking” the situation. If they struggle in May, he still has time to pivot back to more experienced options. But if they thrive, he gains two “X-factors” that opponents haven’t had much time to scout. In the modern game, the element of surprise is a valuable commodity, and these Barcelona starlets offer exactly that.
How can fans watch the Ghana vs. Mexico friendly?
The match will be broadcast live on GTV Sports+ and various international streaming platforms on May 22, 2026. Given the large Ghanaian and Mexican diasporas in the United States, the stadium is expected to be at full capacity, creating a “mini-World Cup” atmosphere weeks before the actual tournament begins.
For fans in Ghana, the game will likely kick off late in the evening or early morning due to the time difference. Despite the late hour, the interest in seeing the “Barcelona boys” in the national jersey is expected to drive record viewership numbers. It’s a chance for the nation to unite behind a team that finally seems to have a clear direction and a path toward reclaiming its status as Africa’s top footballing power.
The inclusion of Aziz Issah and David Oduro represents a new era for the Black Stars. While the road to the 2026 World Cup is paved with challenges none bigger than facing England and Croatia the infusion of La Masia-trained talent gives Ghanaian fans a reason to be optimistic.
Also Read: The Left-Back Puzzle: Is Baba Rahman Finally Ready for a Black Stars Encore?
As we look toward May 22, the spotlight will be firmly on these two youngsters. Can they handle the weight of the national jersey? If their form in Barcelona is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes. The stage is set, the “stars are ready,” and the journey to North America has truly begun.
Do you think coach Carlos Queiroz is taking too big a risk by potentially starting teenagers in a World Cup against teams like England, or is this the “bold move” Ghana needs to finally break their group stage curse?