The Black Stars of Ghana have now confirmed their final squad ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
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Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz delayed the announcement of his World Cup squad during a press conference on Monday ahead of the Black Stars' friendly against Wales in Cardiff. Although many expected the squad list to be unveiled during the briefing, it was instead released shortly before FIFA's submission deadline.
Speaking to the media, the experienced Portuguese manager revealed that defender Alexander Djiku had suffered an injury during training over the weekend, forcing him out of the squad. Dutch-born centre-back Derrick Luckassen was subsequently called up as his replacement.
The Black Stars had already been dealt a significant setback with the absence of Mohammed Kudus, who was unable to recover in time from a thigh injury. The influential midfielder's omission is considered a major blow to Ghana's ambitions at the tournament.
Defensive options were further reduced by the absence of Mohammed Salisu. The Monaco centre-back remains sidelined after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a Ligue 1 match in January.
However, there was a welcome return for Baba Abdul Rahman. The 31-year-old left-back is back in the national team setup after a three-year absence. While he was included in Ghana's squad for the 2022 World Cup, he has made just one international appearance since then.
Ghana begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before facing tougher Group L tests against England and Croatia.
Ghana squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Joseph Anang, Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi
Defenders: Jonas Adjetey, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Oppong Preprah, Baba Abdul Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Marvin Senaya
Midfielders: Augustine Boakye, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Caleb Yirenkyi
Forwards: Prince Kwabena Adu, Jordan Ayew, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Inaki Williams.
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