Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has officially unveiled his final 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with two goalkeepers missing out on the final cut.
The final list is largely made up of players from the 28 selected for the training camp and preparation match against Wales, with only a few changes made before FIFA’s submission deadline.
Spartak Moscow defender Alexander Djiku was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury, while Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi and Ajax goalkeeper Paul Reverson were the two players dropped from the provisional list.
In response to Djiku’s absence, Pafos defender Derrick Luckassen has been drafted into the squad. Ghana will also be without defender Mohammed Salisu and playmaker Mohammed Kudus, who were unable to recover from injuries in time to be considered for selection.
Meanwhile, the omission of Derrick Kohn has emerged as one of the more controversial decisions in Queiroz’s final squad announcement.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper and captain Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic) are the three goalkeepers selected for the tournament to protect the goal.
While the battle for the number one position remains open, Asare has retained that role in recent matches and is expected to begin the tournament as first choice.
In defence, Derrick Luckassen (Pafos), Kojo Oppong Peprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano) and Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir) form the centre-back options available to the Black Stars.
Marvin Senaya (Auxerre) and Alidu Seidu (Rennes) have been selected as the right-back options, while Gideon Mensah (Auxerre) and Abdul Baba Rahman (PAOK) occupy the left-back positions. Baba Rahman’s inclusion marks a notable return to the national team after nearly three years away from the Black Stars setup.
The midfield department will be led by experienced star, Thomas Partey alongside Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Augustine Boakye (Saint Etienne), and Caleb Yirenkyi (Nodsjaelland). The group offers a blend of experience, energy, and creativity as Ghana prepares for the challenges ahead in the US, Canada and Mexico.
In attack, Queiroz has selected a strong pool of forwards, including Inaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante, captain Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Adu Kwabena, Antoine Semenyo, and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
The final squad features a healthy mix of experience and fresh talent. Twelve players in the squad were part of Ghana’s campaign at the last FIFA World Cup, while fourteen players are preparing to participate in the global showpiece for the first time in their careers.
Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang, Derrick Luckassen, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Jerome Opoku, Marvin Senaya, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Prince Adu Kwabena, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Ernest Nuamah, and Christopher Bonsu Baah are among those set to experience their maiden World Cup finals.
Queiroz will be hoping the combination of experienced campaigners and emerging talents can help Ghana make a significant impact at the tournament.
The Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before facing group heavyweights England and Croatia in their remaining Group Stage fixtures.
With preparations entering their final phase, expectations remain high as Ghana seeks to advance beyond the group stage and make another memorable mark at the FIFA World Cup.
