Queiroz Names Ghanas Final 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has unveiled his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, trimming two players from his provisional selection while making one enforced change due to injury.
Goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi were the two players omitted from the initial 28-man provisional squad, while vice-captain Alexander Djiku misses the tournament through injury. In his place, Dutch-born defender Derrick Luckassen has received a late call-up to fill the void in central defence.
The goalkeeping department will be anchored by Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who retains his position as the first-choice shot-stopper, supported by Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang. Ati-Zigi has been a consistent presence between the posts throughout the qualifying campaign and is expected to start when Ghana open their World Cup account.
The defensive line features a blend of experience and versatility. Baba Abdul Rahman and Gideon Mensah provide options at left-back, while Alidu Seidu and Marvin Senaya compete for the right-back slot. Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Preprah offer depth across the backline, with the newly included Luckassen adding physicality and European experience to the central defensive options.
Midfield is where Ghana possess perhaps their greatest strength. Thomas Partey of Arsenal remains the fulcrum of the engine room, bringing composure and tactical intelligence that few in African football can match. He is joined by Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye and Caleb Yirenkyi, giving Queiroz a range of profiles from deep-lying playmakers to box-to-box runners.
The forward line carries genuine menace. Jordan Ayew, Ghana’s most-capped active player, brings experience and leadership. Antoine Semenyo, who recently touched down in Wales to link up with the squad ahead of their Cardiff friendly, offers pace and directness. Inaki Williams, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Prince Kwabena Adu complete an attacking contingent that gives the coach multiple tactical permutations.
The omission of Djiku is a significant blow. The vice-captain has been a commanding presence at the heart of defence and his absence will test the depth of the rearguard. Luckassen, who holds dual Dutch-Ghanaian nationality and has extensive experience in European club football, has been drafted in as his replacement, though adapting to the pace of tournament football on short notice remains a challenge.
Ghana will be making their fourth World Cup appearance, and expectations among the Black Stars faithful are high after a spirited showing at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Queiroz, the experienced Portuguese tactician who has managed at multiple World Cups with Iran, Colombia and Egypt, has been methodical in his squad construction, favouring players who can execute his disciplined tactical framework while retaining enough attacking flair to trouble any opponent.
The Black Stars are currently preparing for a friendly fixture in Cardiff as part of their build-up to the tournament, giving Queiroz a final opportunity to assess his players in a competitive environment before the real action begins.
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