By Collins Sarkodieh 
Ghana’s national team coach Carlos Queiroz has officially named a 23-man squad for the high-profile international friendly against Mexico scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026. The roster is a strategic blend of seasoned European-based stars, returning stalwarts like Majeed Ashimeru, and a vibrant group of U-23 talents preparing for Olympic Games qualifiers.
This selection highlights Queiroz’s commitment to a “total integration” model, where domestic Ghana Premier League standout performers like Salim Adams rub shoulders with elite prospects from Barcelona B and Ajax FC. The match serves as a crucial litmus test for the technical team to assess squad depth and tactical flexibility against a top-tier North American opponent known for high-intensity pressing.
By including players such as Felix Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Osman, the coaching staff is signaling a transition toward a faster, more direct offensive style. Fans are particularly eager to see how the home-based contingent, led by Medeama SC’s Salim Adams, adapts to the international pace after dominating the local league standings this season.
Who are the key European-based stars returning to the Ghana squad?
Majeed Ashimeru and Felix Afena-Gyan are the standout names returning to international duty for the clash against Mexico. Ashimeru’s inclusion follows a frustrating period on the sidelines due to a persistent muscle injury, while Afena-Gyan earns his first call-up since featuring in the Unity Cup against Trinidad and Tobago in May last year.
Ashimeru’s return is vital for Ghana’s midfield transition, as his ability to drive the ball from deep positions was sorely missed during the previous international break. His recovery is a massive boost for both his club and the national team, providing Carlos Queiroz with a creative engine that can unlock disciplined defenses.
Felix Afena-Gyan’s return provides much-needed verticality in attack. After a year-long absence from the national setup, his hunger to reclaim a starting spot will be a major subplot in the training camp. His experience in high-pressure environments makes him a reliable option for the physical challenge Mexico typically presents.
Which rising stars from European academies made the list?
Carlos Queiroz has turned his scouting lens toward elite European youth systems, handing call-ups to Abdul Aziz Issah of Barcelona B and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC. These inclusions reflect a scouting philosophy focused on technical proficiency and tactical intelligence nurtured in some of the world’s best footballing schools.
Abdul Aziz Issah has been making waves in the Spanish third tier, showing a level of maturity that belies his age. Similarly, Paul Reverson’s development at Ajax FC suggests he is ready to translate his club form into the senior international arena. Joining them are Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City and Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, both of whom have enjoyed consistent minutes in their respective leagues.
These players represent the future of the Black Stars. Their integration into the senior squad now is a calculated move to ensure they are battle-hardened before the high-stakes World Cup qualifiers and African Cup of Nations tournaments on the horizon.
How many home-based players were selected for the Mexico friendly?
The squad features a strong core of domestic talent, led by Medeama SC midfielder Salim Adams and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Joining them from the Ghana Premier League are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban and Dreams FC’s Ebenezer Adade, totaling a significant representation for the local top flight.
Salim Adams has been the heartbeat of Medeama SC’s charge to the top of the league table, and his inclusion is a reward for consistent excellence. Razak Simpson’s leadership at Nations FC has also not gone unnoticed, as he provides a robust defensive option that Queiroz values for his physical presence and aerial dominance.
Including domestic players isn’t just about “fairness”; it’s a tactical necessity. Local players often bring a level of grit and familiarity with the national team’s cultural expectations that helps bridge the gap for foreign-born players who are still adjusting to the environment.
Factual Insights into the Ghana vs Mexico 2026 Friendly:
- Squad Size: Coach Carlos Queiroz has selected exactly 23 players to maintain a manageable and highly competitive training environment.
- The Returnee: Majeed Ashimeru is back in the squad after a significant period of inactivity caused by a muscle injury.
- Afena-Gyan’s Gap: Felix Afena-Gyan returns to the national team exactly one year after his last appearance in London (May 2025).
- Club Representation: The squad features players from diverse leagues including the Spanish La Liga (Barcelona B), Dutch Eredivisie (Ajax), English Championship (Birmingham City), and French Ligue 1 (Saint-Étienne).
- Olympic Path: Several U-23 players in this squad are being prepped for the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers, serving a dual purpose for the GFA.
- Travel Date: The team is scheduled to depart for Mexico on Friday, May 22, 2026, leaving minimal time for acclimatization before matchday.
- Local Leaders: Salim Adams and Razak Simpson are the primary ambassadors for the Ghana Premier League in this selection.
Why is this friendly important for the U-23 Olympic qualifiers?
The match against Mexico serves as a high-level preparatory stage for the U-23 players who are designated to lead Ghana’s charge in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers. By exposing these younger players to a senior international environment, Queiroz is accelerating their development and building their confidence ahead of do-or-die qualification matches.
Facing a seasoned Mexico side famed for their technical speed and tactical discipline will expose any weaknesses in the U-23 cohort’s game. This “trial by fire” ensures that when they return to their age-group competitions, the pace of the game will feel significantly more manageable.
Technical directors often use senior friendlies to see which youth players can handle the psychological pressure of a big crowd and a world-class opponent. For players like Ebenezer Adade and Abdul Aziz Issah, this is their chance to prove they belong in the senior conversation permanently.
Also Read: The Queiroz Era Begins: Carlos Queiroz Unveiled as Black Stars Head Coach in Accra
What tactical changes can we expect under Carlos Queiroz?
Carlos Queiroz is known for building defensively sound teams that transition rapidly into attack, a style that perfectly suits the pace of Ibrahim Osman and Paul Reverson. We can expect a more compact midfield block, utilizing the physical presence of Salim Adams and the passing range of a healthy Majeed Ashimeru.
In previous matches, Ghana has struggled with defensive lapses during transitions. Queiroz likely chose Razak Simpson and Ebenezer Annan to shore up the backline, favoring players who are comfortable defending in 1-on-1 situations. Against a Mexican side that thrives on wing play, the role of the full-backs will be the most critical tactical focal point.
The integration of U-23 players also suggests Queiroz might experiment with a high-press system in certain phases of the game. Younger players generally have the engine required to sustain a press, which could be a surprise tactic used to disrupt Mexico’s rhythm early in the first half.
Is the Ghana Premier League finally getting the respect it deserves?
The selection of four key domestic players for a high-profile friendly in North America indicates a growing confidence in the quality of the Ghana Premier League (GPL). Leaders like Salim Adams and Razak Simpson are no longer “token” inclusions; they are expected to compete for starting berths.
This trend is healthy for the local ecosystem. When GPL players see a clear path to the senior national team, the level of competition in the local league rises, and clubs become more motivated to invest in player development. It also increases the market value of local players, providing much-needed revenue for Ghanaian clubs through international transfers.
If Salim Adams puts in a “Man of the Match” performance against Mexico, it will send a loud message to scouts worldwide that the talent in the Ghanaian top flight is ready for the global stage. For Queiroz, the local league is a goldmine of raw talent that simply needs the right international exposure to shine.
The 23-man squad for the Mexico friendly represents a bold vision for the future of Ghanaian football. By balancing the return of experienced maestros like Ashimeru with the raw energy of Ajax and Barcelona prospects, Carlos Queiroz is building a squad that is both resilient in the present and prepared for the next decade.
Also Read: Queiroz Monitors Black Galaxies Training: Who Will Make the 2026 World Cup Squad?
As the team prepares to fly out on May 22, 2026, the focus will be on cohesion. With a mix of players from different leagues and backgrounds, the challenge will be finding a shared tactical language in a short period. However, if this squad clicks, Mexico will find themselves facing a Black Stars team that is as unpredictable as it is talented.
If the U-23 players outshine the senior stars in Mexico, will Carlos Queiroz be brave enough to make the “youth revolution” permanent for the next World Cup cycle?