GFA names final Black Stars 26-man squad

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the final 26-man Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Carlos Queiroz selecting a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents for the tournament in North America.

The squad announcement comes weeks after Queiroz disclosed the extensive scouting and evaluation exercise undertaken by the national team’s technical department ahead of the global showpiece.

Goalkeepers selected for the tournament are Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang.

The defensive department features Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah and Derrick Luckassen.

In midfield, Queiroz has named Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Kamal Deen Sulemana.

The attacking options include Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas Asante, Antoine Semenyo, Prince Kwabena Adu, Inaki Williams and Jordan Ayew.

Last month, Queiroz revealed the scale of preparations undertaken by the technical team as Ghana intensified plans for the World Cup.

“One month. One mission. One relentless commitment to excellence,” the Portuguese coach wrote in an open letter shared on social media.

According to Queiroz, the technical staff monitored 170 matches and assessed 75 players between April 11 and May 11 as part of the selection process.

He also disclosed that 200 complete video compact reports focusing on individual player performance were produced while members of the technical team conducted 30 live match observations across various competitions.

The coach noted that 75 players were placed under continuous scouting observation, with another 30 players undergoing direct live assessment by technical staff members.

Queiroz praised the efforts of his backroom staff, saying much of the work carried out behind the scenes often remains unseen by supporters.

The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto before facing England in Boston on June 23. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia as they seek a place in the knockout stages.