By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The squad was unveiled ahead of Ghana’s final warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday. The Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17. Queiroz selected experienced players and emerging talents as Ghana prepares for its fifth appearance at the global tournament.
Jordan Ayew to Captain Ghana
Veteran Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew will captain the Black Stars at the tournament. However, Ghana will miss Tottenham Hotspur winger Mohammed Kudus, who remains sidelined with an injury.
Ayew’s leadership and experience will play a crucial role as Ghana aims to progress from a challenging Group L.
Semenyo Headlines Attack
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo earned a place in the squad after an impressive season. The 26-year-old scored 11 goals in 27 appearances following his January move from Bournemouth for an initial £62.5 million.
Inaki Williams, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Adu, and Christopher Bonsu Baah also feature in Ghana’s attacking options.
Partey Returns to Midfield
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was included in the final squad. The 32-year-old now plays for Villarreal and brings valuable experience to the team.
The midfield unit also includes Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu, and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Defensive Unit Blends Experience and Youth
Queiroz selected a balanced defensive line that combines experienced internationals and promising young players.
Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Marvin Senaya, and Derrick Luckassen will strengthen Ghana’s defence.
Goalkeepers Selected for World Cup Duty
Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak leads Ghana’s goalkeeping department. Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang complete the trio selected for the tournament.
Ghana’s Full 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak)
- Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen)
- 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 (Basaksehir)
- Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg)
- Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice)
- Derrick Luckassen (Pafos)
Midfielders
- Elisha Owusu (Auxerre)
- Thomas Partey (Villarreal)
- Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo)
- Augustine Boakye (Saint-Etienne)
- Caleb Yirenkyi (Nordsjaelland)
- Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City)
- Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta)
Forwards
- Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah)
- Ernest Nuamah (Lyon)
- Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
- Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City)
- Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen)
- Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
- Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)
Ghana Face Tough Group Challenge
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama before facing two of Europe’s strongest teams.
The tournament kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Ghana targeting a strong run in the competition.
