By Issah Olegor
Ghana national football team head coach Carlos Queiroz has officially named his provisional squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several key stars returning while a few notable absentees miss out through injury.
The 28-man list was released as the Black Stars opened their pre-World Cup training camp in Cardiff ahead of an international friendly against Wales national football team on June 2.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals, returning players from injury and emerging young talents as Ghana prepares for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Kudus And Salisu Miss Tournament
The biggest talking point surrounding the squad announcement is the absence of Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu.
Kudus misses the World Cup after suffering a quadriceps injury setback during his recovery at Tottenham Hotspur, while Salisu has been ruled out after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during AS Monaco’s league campaign.
The absence of the two influential players represents a major setback for Ghana ahead of crucial group matches against England, Croatia and Panama national football teams.
Experienced Stars Lead Squad
Despite the injury concerns, the Black Stars still boast a strong core of experienced players.
Captain Jordan Ayew headlines the squad alongside Thomas Partey, Iñaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo.
Semenyo enters the tournament in top form after enjoying an outstanding season in England where he recently scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final for Manchester City.
Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Al Qadsiah attacker Christopher Bonsu Baah were also included in the attacking department.
Injury Returnees Earn Recall
Several players returning from injury also made the provisional squad.
Ernest Nuamah returns after nearly a year out with an ACL injury, while Baba Abdul Rahman earned a recall following an impressive campaign with PAOK in Greece.
Defenders Abdul Mumin and Alidu Seidu also returned after injury-hit seasons in Europe.
Young Talents Included
Carlos Queiroz also handed opportunities to several young players viewed as part of Ghana’s future.
Ajax youngster Paul Reverson received his first senior national team call-up, while FC Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi earned inclusion following his impressive rise in Denmark.
Full Black Stars Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang, Solomon Agbasi, Paul Reverson
Defenders:
Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Alexander Djiku, Elisha Owusu
Midfielders:
Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
Forwards:
Kamaldeen Sulemana, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Iñaki Williams, Jordan Ayew
The Black Stars will continue preparations in Cardiff before departing for North America for the World Cup campaign later this summer.
