Ghana’s head coach Carlos Queiroz has officially confirmed his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to weeks of intense speculation.
After a rigorous training camp at Dragon Park in Cardiff, the technical team finalized their roster to ensure the team is balanced, dynamic, and prepared for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The selection process reflects a strategic mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. While the final list brings clarity, it also marks the start of a new chapter for the Black Stars as they set their sights on making a significant impact on football’s grandest stage.
Who made the final cut for the Black Stars?
The final 26-man roster includes a diverse group of players selected after careful evaluation of fitness, form, and tactical fit. With the team now set, coach Queiroz is prioritizing a cohesive unit capable of navigating a challenging group-stage campaign against England, Croatia, and Panama.
- Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen), Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic).
- Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice), and Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC).
- Midfielders: Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Étienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City).
- Forwards/Wingers: Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzeň), and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Coach Queiroz’s final selections were heavily influenced by the need for versatility and defensive depth following late injury setbacks. Most notably, the unfortunate injury to experienced centre-back Alexander Djiku opened the door for Derrick Luckassen to join the squad, providing essential cover at the back.
Additionally, the technical team made the difficult decision to exclude goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi and striker Paul Reverson from the final 26, despite their participation in the 28-man provisional training camp. Queiroz noted that these decisions were strictly professional, based on the specific tactical requirements for the group stage and the depth already present in the goalkeeping department.
Ghana’s path to the knockout stages will be tested early, as the team has been drawn into Group L alongside formidable opponents. The Black Stars are scheduled to begin their journey against Panama on June 17, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto.
The team’s preparation is built on a “one game at a time” philosophy, as emphasized by Coach Queiroz. By focusing on immediate challenges rather than long-term speculation, the squad aims to elevate Ghana’s footballing reputation on the global stage. With the final roster now public, the focus shifts entirely to tactical readiness and building the momentum needed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010.
Source: ghanafa.org

